In this continuing series where The Kenyan Wall Street’s Fred Obura sits with senior executives at Superior Homes, Faith Wambui, CSR Coordinator speaks about the Superior Homes Foundation, sustainability, and how the real estate developer is balancing its business operations with social impact.
1. Why is corporate social responsibility important for a real estate company?
Corporate social responsibility is important for us because real estate development is about more than just building homes; it’s about building sustainable communities. Our projects impact the lives of people, the environment, and the future of the areas where we operate.
CSR helps us ensure that we create a positive social and environmental impact, while strengthening trust and relationships with the communities we serve.
2. What key CSR projects has the company implemented, and what impact have they had?
Our flagship CSR initiative is the Superior Homes Foundation, which focuses on keeping girls in school through the provision of sanitary pads and mentorship programs.
To date, we have reached over 15,000 girls and over 50 schools in the 5 counties that Superior Homes operates in, that is Machakos, Kilifi, Nakuru, Makueni, and Kiambu, reducing absenteeism, boosting confidence, and supporting long-term educational outcomes. Beyond menstrual hygiene, our mentorship programs guide career paths, personal growth, and life skills development.
3. How do you balance commercial success with community wellbeing?
We believe the two go hand in hand: commercial success and community wellbeing. When we invest in community wellbeing, we contribute to more sustainable societies, which in turn enhances the long-term value and resilience of our developments.
For example, through our Foundation’s work, we help keep girls in school by providing menstrual hygiene support and mentorship. This helps break cycles of poverty and create empowered, future-ready citizens. A more educated and empowered community leads to a stable, thriving environment, benefiting both social progress and business growth.
Additionally, by partnering with schools, local governments, and other organizations, we create shared value. These collaborations not only extend our impact but also build trust and goodwill with the communities where we operate.
From a business perspective, we implement ethical and sustainable practices, such as sourcing local products, supporting local talent, and ensuring fair employment. This strengthens the local economy, builds trust with stakeholders, and aligns our growth with community priorities.
4. What role do sustainability and environmental stewardship play in your work?
Sustainability is at the core of our work. Through partnerships with like-minded organizations, we are able to reach thousands of students, making our programs more sustainable by sharing responsibility and amplifying impact. Beyond immediate support, we also invest in guidance and life skills that empower students long-term.
At the same time, our parent company, Superior Homes Kenya, integrates environmental stewardship into its developments by incorporating eco-friendly practices such as green spaces, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, among others. This ensures that both our social programs and business operations contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
5. How do you measure the success of CSR initiatives?
We measure success by both quantitative and qualitative impact. Quantitatively, we track the number of girls supported, schools onboarded, mentorship sessions held, and pads distributed. Qualitatively, we measure improvements in school attendance, feedback from teachers, testimonials from students, and community goodwill. Ultimately, success is when girls stay in school, gain confidence, and communities recognize the value of our support.