The engagement aims to strengthen Kakuzi’s ability to deliver quality products in a manner that is ecologically responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable for future generations through certification.
On 27 July 2023, FSC Eastern Africa team visited Kakuzi PLC to explore with the company how it could translate its commitment to sustainable management to real actions via FSC certification of its products . During the exchange, Sammy Chege, the Forestry Manager at Kakuzi PLC, reaffirmed the company's deep integration with local communities and the environment and stressed their unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices. He said the company is excited to leverage FSC certification to bolster their sustainability efforts.
Embracing international standards to strengthen business
Paul Opanga, FSC's Labour Issues Manager led the FSC delegation to Kakuzi PLC. He discussed with Kakuzi team how FSC's stringent requirements effectively address the triad of social, economic, and environmental needs. In Paul’s intervention, he advised Kakuzi PLC that their aspiration to align their practices with international standards that bring tangible benefits to their operations and the regions they touch.
Nurturing a sustainable suture
In Kakuzi’s business, it manages 1,500 ha of commercial forestry, a tea estate and an avocado business that engages 3000 small holder farmers. To Paul Opanga, Kakuzi PLC can better demonstrate its commitment to responsible, ethical and sustainable sourcing of products with FSC certification. He explains that because FSC’s standards require forest and supply chain operations to be audited according to strict, global standards, it will be easy to strengthen sustainable management.
The outcome of the meeting was a harmonious agreement between the FSC team and Kakuzi PLC to continue cordial engagements. The two entities also agreed develop a roadmap for FSC certification for Kakuzi PLC.