The British Chamber of Commerce Kenya (BCCK) has released its inaugural Integrity Index which features a selection of companies based in Kenya, that have a track record in working with integrity with organizations in Kenya and BCCK members.
The Index is part of the Business Integrity Initiative (BII) pilot programme, which is run by BCCK in partnership with the UK Department for International Development (DFID), the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in Kenya.
The BII provides practical guidance on navigating integrity challenges and provides a range of platforms to increase peer-to-peer private sector engagement. It also works with the Kenyan authorities to promote improvements to local market conditions.
The 27 companies listed in the Index either participated in the BII pilot programme or completed the nomination and self-assessment process. They are drawn from across 10 different sectors and vary in size from three to 3,000 employees. Companies were assessed on their regulatory compliance, a track record of working with international buyers and their documented policies and procedures.
Farida Abbas, CEO, BCCK says, “Although the Integrity Index was run at a difficult time, when Kenya and the world was grappling with Coronavirus, we feel it is important to recognise companies that are committed to doing the right thing. We know that there are many thousands more companies operating with integrity in Kenya. We hope they will welcome a positive integrity campaign and practical examples of the measures being implemented by their peers.”
The BCCK has launched an accompanying report, which highlights integrity approaches adopted by companies on the Index. These are in line with the BII’s six integrity principles: proportionate procedures, top level commitment, risk assessment, due diligence, communication and training, monitoring and review.
Companies in the Integrity Index have rules-based policies covering a range of issues such as bribery, embezzlement, corruption and money laundering. The Index Report highlights a range of innovative and cost-effective ways that these are being applied by the Index companies.
The report highlights the importance of companies applying risk assessment and due diligence processes on customers, suppliers and partners. Companies are conducting formal inductions on integrity to their new joiners and annual mandatory training. Most companies also provide a confidential whistle-blowing mechanism for customers, employees and stakeholders to report integrity breaches.
Farida Abbas, CEO, BCCK continues, “We are excited to recognize efforts that these companies are making to run ethical and trusted businesses. We hope that this Index will provide long term benefits to all the featured companies. We are helping prove that ethical business pays. We will be signposting these businesses to any members or UK organisations looking to partner with Kenyan companies.”
