Standard Chartered Kenya Reports Major Strides in Sustainability and Inclusive Finance
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has released its 2024 Sustainability Progress Report, showcasing significant achievements in green finance, operational efficiency, and community empowerment as it continues to champion Kenya’s transition to a low-carbon, inclusive economy.
The report highlights a 132% surge in sustainable finance income to KES 2.99 billion and a dramatic rise in sustainable finance assets, now valued at KES 31.3 billion — a tenfold increase from the previous year. This growth underscores the bank’s strategic focus and leadership in the sustainable finance space.
“Our sustainability efforts are not peripheral—they are central to how we do business. We’re proud to be creating value for clients and communities alike through this commitment,” said Kariuki Ngari, Managing Director & CEO, Kenya and Africa.
Among its key innovations in 2024, the bank introduced Africa’s first Sustainable Account, enabling customers to align their deposits with environmental and social impact projects. Inclusive finance also remained a priority, with KES 2.6 billion now under SC WIN, the bank’s women-focused empowerment platform, and KES 17.6 billion in assets under SC Shilingi, its digital money market fund aimed at improving investment accessibility.
Operationally, Standard Chartered achieved a 79% reduction in carbon emissions, cut energy usage by 54%, and recycled 95% of its waste. It became the first bank and institution in Africa to receive the TRUE Zero Waste Platinum certification and earned EDGE certification for its sustainable refurbishment of the Chiromo Head Office.
In community impact, the Futuremakers initiative has empowered over 54,000 youth since 2019, supported more than 1,000 microbusinesses, and launched a new three-year employability program in 2024 backed by KES 133 million in investment. Additionally, the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon raised over KES 48 million for youth initiatives and injected more than KES 380 million into the local economy.
“Our progress reflects a clear understanding that inclusion and empowerment go hand in hand with economic development,” said Regina Mukiri, Head of Community Impact and Engagement.
The bank also deepened its environmental engagement through partnerships, including the handover of a one-million seedling nursery to the Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy and the development of tech-based conservation tools like QR-coded tree signage and a native species app.
As global and local demands for sustainable finance rise, Standard Chartered Kenya is aligning its actions with Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable and inclusive growth in the region.
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