CSR: Kenya Railways in the Community

Kenya Railways and her predecessors – EARC and EARHC have impacted the lives of many Kenyans during the 100plus history of the railway. Nearly every household in Kenya has been connected in one way or another with the Railway. Recognizing this fact, the overall objective of KR’s proposed CSR policy is to initiate projects that improve the livelihoods of the communities, and stakeholders connected to KR either in relation to locality, impact of KR business or general contribution to the railway sector.

CSR Priority Areas

 At the beginning of each Financial Year, the CSR Committee will develop an annual CSR work plan, and in line with a specific theme. This will ensure appropriate allocation of budget on key prioritized areas per year.

The scope of the policy will be within the framework of the areas identified in KR’s existing and previous Strategic Plans, i.e. Education, Health and Environment. In addition to these, KR will also engage in sports activities that will seek to boost relationship with stakeholders and internal staff alike.

Among the specific areas KR will participate in include:

1. Education – Scholarship for bright yet needy students to undertake technical courses at the Railway Training Institute (RTI) under the SGR project, and modeled along some of Kenya’s similar educational programmes. In future, KR may also consider partnerships with educational institutions to establish mobile or permanent library facilities, which will benefit society by increasing an avenue for the youth to gain knowledge and become empowered, on both rail and non-rail related aspects.
2. Health – KR will participate in initiatives that promote health either directly or indirectly, for example “Nairobi Stanchart Marathon,” “First Lady’s Half Marathon/ Beyond Zero” and other community initiatives along the SGR line, among others.
3. Environment – KR will integrate environmental considerations into development and implementation of corporate policy and in business decision-making. The Corporation will thus strive to exploit opportunities to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact and by integrating measurable, monitored environmental actions into business plans.KR will continue to plant trees annually and in various parts of the country, thus enhancing conservation of forests and water catchment areas, as well as the railway corridor.
4. Sports – KR will participate in Golf tournaments, KECOSO games, sports projects in areas traversed by the railway line, and any other identified prior by the CSR Committee.

KR team during a tree planting session