Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) on Monday announced plans to fast-track the inclusion of differently-abled into formal employment and across its entire value chain company, a move aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment that has for long been a challenge for persons with disabilities in Kenya.
The brewer has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Inclusive Futures partner, Sightsavers, that’s geared towards mainstreaming the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the business. Labour Market Assessment commissioned by Sightsavers shows that the differently-abled constitute less than 2% of the workforce in Kenya
Labour Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui noted that empowering persons with disabilities economically is a human right. He rooted for a more inclusive society to ensure a more productive society.
“Empowered persons with disabilities can compete equitably in the job market and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Companies must adopt practices and policies designed to identify and remove barriers that hamper the differently-abled. Full participation in economic activities, both in the formal and informal sectors. We commend Kenya Breweries Limited and Sightsavers for the great work they are doing to ensure the incorporation of the differently-abled in the workforce” – CS Chelugui.
John Musunga, the Managing Director for Kenya Breweries Limited affirmed the company’s commitment to helping the government reach and surpass its target. He commented about being committed to creating an inclusive collaboration culture that benefits both society and their business. The company also recognizes the underrepresentation of people living with disabilities in employment and supply chains across businesses and as a result, their keen on mapping opportunities for inclusion along the company’s value chain and shaping the market. Through this partnership, KBL will sustainably absorb the differently-abled into the core business opportunities in the value chain.
Representing Inclusive Futures, the Sightsavers Country Director Moses Chege said that partnerships are vital for driving forward the incorporation of all people both within Kenya and globally. He mentioned how excited their company was about the working relationship built with Kenya Breweries Limited over the years in their quest to empower persons with disabilities and create an inclusive society.
Kenya Breweries Limited Pilot in 2020 sees Notable Progress.
In 2020, KBL and Sightsavers launched a pilot program in Homa bay county to onboard farmers with disabilities into the sorghum value chain. This was through mobilization of persons with disabilities, inclusive recruitment, and ensuring compliance with applicable law.
