British American Tobacco Kenya - News & features

BAT Kenya has stepped up efforts to enhance the livelihoods and food security of its farmers by providing them with subsistence crops. Informed by research and feedback from their farmers and stakeholders on local agricultural trends, the Company has this month issued over 15,500 avocado seedlings at a competitive price, to over 1,550 contracted farmers based in Migori, Homa Bay, Bungoma and Busia counties. BAT Kenya will also facilitate survival monitoring of the avocado trees and market linkage upon harvesting...

 Read more here: BAT Kenya ramps up efforts towards sustainable agriculture (268 kb) 

We are delighted to announce that BAT Kenya bagged six awards during the 19th Energy Management Awards (EMA) held recently, organised by the Kenya Manufacturers Association. Our Green Leaf Threshing Plant in Thika emerged Overall runners up in Energy Management, winner in the Sustained High Performance and Water Efficiency categories and runners up in Renewable Energy. Our manufacturing factory at Nairobi’s Likoni road emerged winner in Renewable Energy (large consumers) and runners up in Thermal Savings...

 Read more here: BAT Kenya blazes a trail at the KAM EMA Awards 2023 (203 kb)

BAT Kenya has been recognised as one of LinkedIn’s 2023 Top Companies! This is testament to our commitment to driving excellence, an inclusive and engaging culture and a purposeful place to work. Guided by our Ethos (Bold, Fast, Empowered, Diverse, Responsible) and Employer Value Proposition (EVP), we continually strive to create a great place to work for our employees...

 Read more here: BAT Kenya named one of Kenya's 2023 LinkedIn Top Companies (165 kb) 

BAT Kenya has launched a KShs 10 million Rural Women’s Development Programme (RuWDeP), as part of its commitment to create shared value in the communities it operates. Launched during this year’s International Women’s Day, the RuWDep aims to empower more than 1,600 women from the Oyani and Malakisi tobacco leaf growing communities in Migori and Bungoma counties respectively, who are either women farmers contracted by BAT Kenya or spouses of contracted farmers. Through the programme which will run for an initial period of three years, BAT Kenya aims to champion women’s rights and welfare, capacity building on sustainable agriculture and business management, as well as entrepreneurship development...

 Read more here: BAT Kenya launches KShs 10M RuWDeP (213 kb) 

The Top Employers Institute has named BAT Kenya as a Top Employer in Kenya and Africa for the sixth time in a row,.  BAT was amongst just 15 companies crowned the world’s best businesses to work for, during a virtual award ceremony held on Tuesday this week. Globally, the BAT Group was certified as a Top Employer in 37 countries across Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. The Top Employer certification is based on an extensive review of employer practices across six human resource domains and 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being, Diversity & Inclusion and more...

 Read more here: BAT Kenya Certified as a Top Employer 2023 (201 kb) 

BAT Kenya bagged various awards at the 2022 dx100 Awards hosted by @dx5ve (Formerly CIO Africa) in Diani, Kenya. We were crowned the overall winner in the manufacturing sector and received three “Gold Mark” awards for excellence in enterprise Information Technology Adoption in the following areas within BAT Kenya: Logistics and Supply Chain platform, Primary Manufacturing Department (PMD) Automation and Mobile Sales Representative Application (MSR). To top it off, BAT Kenya’s Head of Manufacturing, Hector Tamez, was crowned CXO Digital Influencer of the Year! The dx100 Awards aim to recognise and celebrate leaders and businesses driving change in their organisations through technology.

 Read more: BAT Kenya wins big at the 2022 dx100 awards (181 kb) 

BAT Kenya is targeting renewable energy alternatives as part of the global BAT Group's sustainability plans. Through a regulatory notice, BAT Kenya recently announced that it will make an application to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for a licence to generate electric power through a captive solar installation with a capacity of 1,400kWp. Further, BAT Kenya last week received its third energy compliance certificate issued by EPRA. BAT Kenya was the first in Kenya to receive this certification back in 2015 and is currently one of only eight organisations with the certification. BAT Kenya's energy management action aligns with the BAT Group's recent publication of its Low-Carbon Transition Plan, which details actions that the Company will take to reach its climate targets.

 Read more here: BAT Kenya further enhances action towards achieving climate change targets (219 kb) 

BAT has been named the gender mainstreaming champion for Africa at the 10th Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Awards. During the awards ceremony held concurrently in Kenya and South Africa last Thursday, BAT's East and Southern Africa unit scooped the top accolade for its efforts in accelerating gender diversity and inclusion in their organisation. The Company's East Africa business unit with its manufacturing hub in Nairobi's industrial Area, was a category winner for Women Empowerment in the Workplace - East Africa and a 2nd finalist for Mainstreaming Gender and Disability.

 Read more here: BAT crowned gender mainstreaming champion Africa, 2022 (158 kb) 

BAT Kenya joined like-minded organisations at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) 18th Energy Management Awards (EMAs) 2022, annual event, organised to recognise and celebrate trail blazing organisations within the energy management space. During the event themed #PathwayToNetZero, BAT Kenya’s sustainability efforts were once again recognised, with our Green Leaf Threshing Plant (GLTP) in Thika receiving an award in the Thermal Energy Savings category.

 Read more here: BAT Kenya recognised for commitment to environmental excellence (134 kb) 

BAT Kenya, a five-time certified Top Employer in Kenya and Africa, has launched a Talent mentorship initiative to benefit university students over the age of 18, in select higher Institutions of learning in Kenya. The programme - NextGen, mentoring leaders of tomorrow, seeks to contribute to the prepare continuing students with disabilities and those in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics courses (STEM), for the world of work. Selected organisations include the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), Kenyatta University (KU) and the Jomo Kenya University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT).

 Read more: BAT Kenya rolls out NextGen mentorship programme (80 kb) 

The Top Employers Institute has named BAT Kenya as a Top Employer in Kenya and Africa for the fifth time in a row, during a virtual award ceremony held on Thursday – 20th January 2022. The certification reiterates BAT Kenya’s sustained commitment to provide and uphold policies and practices that offer employees a conducive and productive place of work. The Top Employers Institute certification is based on an extensive review of employer practices across six human resource domains and 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being, Diversity & Inclusion and more.

 Read more here: BAT Kenya certified Top Employer 2022 (130 kb) (130 kb) 

BAT Kenya, has strengthened its commitment to building a disability inclusive workplace by partnering with the Kenya Business and Disability Network (KBDN). The partnership is in line with BAT’s Diversity and Inclusion agenda (D&I), which includes a strategic goal to increase the representation of Persons with Disabilities in its employee population to 5% by 2025...

 Read more here:BAT and KBDN Partnership to enhance PWD inclusion (123 kb) 

This year, the World Clean-up Day was marked globally on 18th September, under the theme:  We are Smart! At BAT Kenya, activities kicked off from 17th September, with employees being called upon to carry out a clean-up exercise within their immediate environment - be it their office or home workspace. Our team at the Green Leaf Threshing plant in Kenya registered impressive results, collecting 1.5 tonnes of waste from their external surroundings in less than 2 hours! The waste was subsequently collected by the local County government for segregation, recycling and proper disposal.

 Read more here: World Clean Up Day (164 kb) 

We are proud of and greatful for this recognition! BAT Kenya scooped five awards during the 2021 EMA ceremony.

1. Overall winner, 2021 Energy Management Award - Nairobi manufacturing factory
2. Runners Up, 2021 Overall Energy Management Award - Green Leaf Threshing plant, Thika
3. Thermal Energy Savings Award - Medium Category, Nairobi manufacturing factory
4. Innovation and Best Practice Award - Green Leaf Threshing plant, Thika
5. Best Energy Management Team Award - Green Leaf Threshing plant, Thika

 Read more here: BAT Kenya crowned winner at EMAs 2021 (252 kb) 

Women in BAT(WiB) is a self-governed global network of individuals who are passionate about diversity, engaging and championing women to realise their full potential, as part of building A Better Tomorrow™. WiB Kenya, was officially launched on 26th July 2021 during a colourful hybrid event (Physical at our Nairobi offices and online), graced by our MD, Crispin Achola and guest speaker, Sally Kahiu, Head of Communication & Marketing at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).

 Read more: BAT WIB launches in Kenya (164 kb) 

BAT Kenya Managing Director, Crispin Achola (Mddle) and Head of HR, Diana Johnson (2nd Left) celebrate the 2021Top Employer certification with fellow employees.

The 2021 Top Employers have been announced today at a virtual award ceremony, and BAT has been recognised as a Top Employer in Kenya for the fourth time in a row! Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices. The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers 6 HR domains consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being and Diversity & Inclusion and more...

 Read more here: BAT Kenya certified Top Employer 2021 (177 kb) 

BAT Kenya is proud to have been recognised for the second year in a row at the annual CIO100 Awards 2020 event hosted by CIO East Africa in Naivasha, Kenya. The global CIO 100 awards aim to recognise and celebrate leaders and businesses driving  change in their organisations through technology.

We received two awards; the “Gold Mark” which was awarded for the second year in a row for our use of digital technology and innovation in manufacturing to reduce waste,  and the “Green Edge Award” which we won for the first time, after emerging as the top technology-driven sustainable manufacturing company in the East African Region.

 Read more here: BAT Kenya triumphs at the CIO100 Awards 2020 (244 kb) 

Last Friday, BAT Kenya was recognised at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Energy Management Awards (EMA 2020) for outstanding performance in energy management. During the afternoon ceremony held at the Safari Park Hotel, we received two runners-up awards in the electricity savings and water efficiency categories for the Nairobi and Thika GLT plant respectively. We also showcased our various sustainability initiatives, spotlighting our afforestation track record with over 54 million surviving trees planted since 1978.

Year on year energy and water savings are a key pillar of BAT Kenya’s sustainability agenda, with cumulative savings of over 81 million litres of water and 7,000,000 KWh of electricity over the last 5 years – enough to power approximately 3,000 Kenyan homes for one year.

 Read more: BAT Kenya awarded for excellence in energy conservation (329 kb) 

During the event, BAT Kenya Managing Director Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo Said:

“This year’s global conservation theme - Time for nature – is particularly relevant to us here at BAT Kenya. As a leading organisation in the environment conservation space, we drive various conservation initiatives including afforestation projects in Nairobi, Kiambu, Thika, Embu, Meru and Migori. Since 1978, we have planted over 50 million trees...This is a tree for every Kenyan. Our target is to plant at least 2 million indigenous trees  annually, and I am extremely pleased to report that inn 2019 we planted 2.33 million trees.

Further, in the first half of this year alone we have already managed to plant 2.1 million in collaboration with our farmers...BAT’s sustainability agenda has come a long way, with this year being especially significant. We redefined our sustainability agenda in line with our new corporate purpose: to deliver a better tomorrow for our stakeholders. Whilst sustainability has always been important to us, our evolved agenda places environment, social and governance (ESG) at the front and centre of our business.

We are committed to making a step-change in our sustainability ambition through stretching targets, which remain deeply rooted in driving sustainable agriculture, water and waste management and the circular economy...

 Read more here - BAT Kenya marks WED 2020 (199 kb) 

BAT Kenya Managing Director Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo receives the Top Employer Africa trophy from Top Employer CEO David Plink.

BAT Kenya has again been recognised as one of the best companies to work for in Kenya and Africa, following certification by the internationally recognised Top Employers Institute during the awards gala dinner in Johannesburg last Friday.

BAT Kenya Managing Director, Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo said: “To receive the Top Employer certification in both Kenya and Africa for the third successive year is an honour for us. This certification demonstrates that BAT Kenya continues to deliver workplace conditions of the highest standard that enable our energised, collaborative and agile culture; empowering people to grow within the organisation. As a result, we continue to recruit and retain the best talent.

 Read more: BAT Kenya recognised as a top employer for the third year (198 kb) 

Dubbed the Solid Rock Commendation, this is a prestigious award given to companies that have operated in Kenya for over 50 years and have exported consistently for over 30 years.

 Read more here: BAT Kenya KEYA lifetime achievement award (296 kb) 

We recently engaged with student leaders from various local varsities in a bid to introduce them to Battle of Minds and provide an indepth view into the exciting career oportunities offered by the competition. Are you innovative and ready to match your skills with students across the globe? This is your chance to be part of our next generation of leaders #nextgentalent. visit: www.bat-battleofminds.com

Show us what you're made of...

 Read more about Batte of Minds and get details on how to register HERE (142 kb) 

The Kenya Stock Markets were today opened by the Managing Director of BAT Kenya Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo and Board Chairman George Maina, to celebrate the Company’s 50th anniversary of being quoted on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

 BAT Kenya marks 50 yrs on the NSE (277 kb) 

Last month, our Thika GLT received multiple accolades at the Kenya Institute of Manufacturers’ (KAM) Energy Management Awards and the National Annual Occupational Safety & Health Awards held by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS)...

 BAT Kenya’s GLT receives trailblazing recognition (348 kb) 

BAT Kenya's Managing Director and Area Director for BAT East & Central Africa Area, Mrs. Beverley Spencer-Obatoyinbo took the time to share pertinent insights and her career journey within the BAT Group.

 Read the full feature here (230 kb) 

BAT Kenya joined the rest of the word to mark #IWD2019. As a Top Employer, we take deliberate steps to drive gender parity and diversity, and go a step further to address the unique challenges that women face in the workplace.

 Read more about how we are contributing to #BalanceforBetter (3,640 kb) 

BAT Kenya has been awarded the Energy Compliance Certificate for our Nairobi factory and Thika Green Leaf Threshing (GLT) plant by the Energy Regulatory Commission of Kenya (ERC), cementing our place as a responsible corporate citizen. BAT Kenya was the first company to receive the certification upon its introduction in 2015, which was awarded for our Nairobi factory only. The 2019 certification therefore is the initial one for the Thika GLT plant.

 Read More - Energy Compliance Certificate award 2019 (240 kb) 

It is well known that the sale of illicit products, including cigarettes, is a problem. It places consumers at risk of buying deficient goods, deprives the government of important revenues and provides additional funds to criminals as well as, potentially, terrorists. It is also harmful to those businesses that conduct themselves within the law and who always aim to act responsibly.

 Read more - illicit trade opinion piece (899 kb) 

The UAP Old Mutual Group has made a payout of Kshs. 48 Million to BAT - contracted tobacco farmers as compensation for crop losses incurred in the 2017/2018 season. The farmers were insured against drought, excessive rainfall, pests & diseases, flooding, frost, hailstorm, windstorm and fire. The compensation was made to a total of 1,200 farmers from Eastern Kenya. The UAP Old Mutual Group previously made a claim payout of KES 79.5 million last year for the 2016/2017 season to the BAT contracted farmers.

"With the Government’s focus on manufacturing as part of its Big Four agenda, I believe the future is bright for the country and for BAT Kenya."

 BAT Kenya on a journey to transform tobacco.pdf (4,599 kb) 

In March 2018, BAT launched its Global Internship Programme, ‘Battle of Minds’ which saw over 10,000 students across the globe participate to demonstrate their innovative ideas. Out of the 33 countries represented, Kenya registered 449 applications (13% globally).

 Read more (143 kb)