BAT Kenya Wins Overall 12th Energy Management Award

British American Tobacco Nairobi won the overall energy Management Awards as a company ensuring energy efficiency by the Kenyan Association of Manufacturers through its center,the Global Environment Facility and the Government of Kenya.

Overall energy management award winner 2016 British American Tobacco Nairobi #KAMEMA2016 pic.twitter.com/j5Thl8Budz

— KAM (@KAM_Kenya) April 8, 2016

BAT’s Energy Management System includes in-depth analysis of energy consumption, setting of annual targets for reduction of usage, detailed energy audits and reporting procedures, awareness programmes among the company’s staff on methods of eliminating energy wastage, risk assessments, performance management and it’s our operations more efficient.

BAT’s website on Environmental and supply chain management, states, “Reducing the environmental impacts of what we do is a key priority, and something that involves every single person who works for us.”

“We recognise that good environmental management is not only the right thing to do, but also makes sound business sense given how much we depend on natural resources for our products,” it adds.

BAT was also the winner in the large consumer category followed by Mombasa Cement Athi River. BAT was the runners up in the fuel saving energy category, but won by Bidco Africa ltd.

Deputy President William Ruto, the chief guest at the Gala Night  event themed, ‘Figures don’t lie, 12 billion saved’ event challenged the private sector to ensure that Kenya’s investment in energy is translated to cheaper goods, more jobs and more exports.

“We have moved from Energy deficit to an energy surplus country. We have more energy than consumers can take. Kenya is at the forefront in developing energy efficient management policies. Currently, Kenya is ranked the 8thlargest producer of geothermal energy in Africa.”

“The Cost of electricity has dropped 27 percent since 2013 and the private sector needs to increase in productivity leading to cheaper products and more exports,” He said.

“With the street lighting program, we are targeting a 24 hour economy. Fifty two towns towns in Kenya will benefit from street lighting in 2017 ” he added.

In acknowledging the government’ efforts, Pradeep Paunrana, Chairman of Kenya Association of Manufacturers, said, “Since 2013 large power customers have increased by 50% to 6000.”

KAM Chief Executive, Ms. Phyllis Wakiaga stated that, “In the last 12 years, KAM has seen 12 billion saved and it is through such achievements that we celebrate the great milestones our nation has taken to develop Clean Sustainable Energy.”

The Deputy President further noted that the Central Bank of Kenya is undertaking measures to streamline the financial sector in order to secure investments.  He said they will subject to the law those who use their positions to put the banks at risk and others using social media to propagate lies.

“Going forward the cost of credit will be attractive to investors to expand our economy. The country now needs to move to the next level. As a government we have set the pace, our focus now is on value addition, new products, expanding our exports to improve the standard s ofliving,” said Ruto.

KAM holds the Energy Management Awards during the Kenya Sustainable Energy Day 2016, a day set aside to celebrate the great milestones that Kenya has taken to develop Clean Sustainable Energy.

This year’s Sustainable Energy Day was aimed at creating awareness on climate change, conserving energy and implementing energy efficiency initiatives through supporting the use of renewable energy.

“KAM recognizes our government for showing great leadership in spearheading the medium-term development of 5,000MW of new Installed Power Capacity.  Most of this installed capacity will comprise of renewable energy to provide the base-load power,” added Ms. Wakiaga.