Britam Foundation Invests in 1,358 Jobs and Regional Climate Resilience
The Britam Foundation has released its inaugural Impact Report, revealing a significant footprint in regional development. Since its formal commencement in late 2024, the Foundation has empowered over 92,000 people and generated 1,358 jobs through targeted interventions in water access, maternal health, and environmental conservation.
The Foundation’s flagship water program has become a vital lifeline for 90,000 learners and residents across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. By integrating solar technology with hygiene training, the initiative supports 70 schools, rehabilitating infrastructure to remove the financial and physical burdens of water collection.
In regions like Kitui and Kajiado, these efforts allow students to focus entirely on their studies. To ensure longevity, the Foundation established 21 school health clubs dedicated to hygiene education and system maintenance.
“Water is not philanthropy; it is development infrastructure,” said Tom Gitogo, Britam Group Managing Director and CEO. “Our investment in solar water projects reduces operational burdens on schools, channeling resources back into teaching. The more resilient the community, the more stable our markets become.”
The urgency of this work is underscored by UNICEF data showing that only 59% of Kenyans have access to safe drinking water—a figure that drops to 56% in rural areas. Furthermore, the Ministry of Water reports that 28 million Kenyans lack safe water, often paying vendors up to 52 times the utility rate for basic access.
To combat the maternal mortality crisis, the Lea Salama program, a partnership with Carolina for Kibera and Malaica Science, provided critical support to 305 uninsured expectant mothers in Nairobi’s Kibera settlement. The results have set a new benchmark for urban health, as 97% of participants benefited from skilled deliveries and mothers averaged six antenatal check-ups, which is twice the national average. Additionally, 94% of families saw a reduction in pregnancy-related costs, and 97% achieved early infant vaccination, surpassing national immunization goals.
Dr. Peter Munga, Britam Foundation Board Chair, emphasized that this work is a pillar of development: “Our stability is linked to the stability of the communities we serve. We measure Britam’s legacy by the resilience we build into the fabric of society.”
Environmental conservation has proven to be a powerful job creator. Partnering with the Jumbo Charge Trust, the Foundation spearheaded the reforestation of 444 acres within the Mt. Elgon water tower.
This initiative resulted in the planting of 86,000 indigenous trees and the creation of 1,358 jobs across the value chain—from seed procurement and nursery management to active planting. In total, the Foundation has overseen the planting of 95,235 trees across the region.
This localized action addresses a looming crisis: the World Bank predicts climate change could drive 43 million people into poverty across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. With Kenya’s forest cover at 8.8%—below the 10% constitutional mandate—these efforts are critical to mitigating the droughts and floods threatening the domestic economy.
The Foundation’s work is strategically aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Health), SDG 6 (Clean Water), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Unlike traditional CSR, this is a core business function: 1% of Britam Holdings’ post-tax profits are automatically funneled into the Foundation.
“True impact is measured by lives changed and futures secured,” said Catherine Karita, Britam Foundation Director. “We have intentionally bridged our four pillars, Health, Education, Environment, and Entrepreneurship, recognising that sustainable change requires multi-dimensional solutions.”
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