I&M Bank, Global Compact Network Kenya launch ESG training programme for SME suppliers
Global Compact Network Kenya, in partnership with I&M Bank Ltd, has launched the I&M Supplier Sustainability Capacity Building Programme to equip small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) suppliers with practical tools for responsible business practices.
The fully sponsored programme targets SMEs within I&M Bank’s supplier and vendor network and will focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, sustainability and responsible business conduct.
The first session, themed “Conducting Responsible Business,” brought together I&M Bank’s supplier community for a practical discussion on sustainability, ESG and responsible business practices.
The programme is being delivered by Global Compact Network Kenya and is designed to help participating suppliers translate sustainability principles into business actions, including identifying risks, strengthening governance, improving environmental management and supporting continuous improvement.
I&M Bank Group Chief Financial Officer David T Ngata said a resilient banking institution requires a resilient ecosystem around it.
In remarks shared on her behalf, Global Compact Network Kenya Executive Director Judy Njino said SMEs play an important role in Kenya’s economy and that strengthening their sustainability capacity supports stronger value chains, jobs and national resilience.
“SMEs are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and when we invest in their sustainability capacity, we are directly investing in stronger value chains, better jobs, and long-term national resilience,” Njino said.
What the I&M Supplier Sustainability Programme Covers
The initiative will provide participating SMEs with training covering environmental management, climate change risk mapping, human rights, fair labour standards and corporate governance.
Suppliers will also receive ESG self-assessment tools to help identify operational vulnerabilities and sustainability gaps within their businesses.
The programme will then support SMEs in developing structured improvement roadmaps to incorporate responsible business practices into their operations.
The training is structured as a six-to-eight-week hybrid programme, beginning with an in-person half-day launch workshop in Nairobi before moving into interactive virtual training modules.
How SMEs will benefit
The programme is fully sponsored by I&M Bank, removing participation costs for the targeted suppliers.
The capacity-building sessions are also intended to help SMEs align their operations with procurement requirements and ESG expectations. The programme will address areas including governance, environmental management and responsible business practices.
By strengthening these areas, participating suppliers will be supported in improving their readiness to work with larger companies and meet evolving sustainability requirements across corporate supply chains.
The programme will continue over the coming weeks, with Global Compact Network Kenya supporting participating suppliers as they apply sustainability practices to their businesses.
The sessions will focus on identifying business risks, strengthening responsible governance, improving environmental management and establishing processes for continuous improvement.
