KEPSA Foundation Executive Director Ms. Gloria Ndekei led a delegation in a meeting with Britam Group, aimed at exploring potential partnerships in the commemoration of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20th November 2024. The delegation included UNICEF Kenya Chief of Communications, Advocacy, and Partnerships Ms. Mitchelle Borromeo, Communications and Advocacy Consultant Ms. Gathoni Kungu, Ms. Cecilia Kimemia, and KEPSA Foundation Management team member Ms. Caroline Kawira. Britam was represented by Group MD and CEO Mr. Tom Gitogo, Britam Foundation Investor Relations Director Ms. Catherine Karita, Sustainability and Investor Relations Manager Ms. Wendy Boit, and Senior Brand Associate Ms. Debra Nyandusi.
The organizations discussed their strategies for contributing to achievement of various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an emphasis on empowering communities to enhance children’s well-being, including holistic health and quality education. They also highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable environmental practices and entrepreneurship, all of which align with their strategies and aim to drive lasting change.
Ms. Ndekei emphasized the key priority areas of KEPSA Foundation, which include Governance and National Values; Empowerment of Women, Youth, People with Disabilities, and Child Care; Climate Change, Resilience & Sustainability; and Community Outreach, Partnerships & Networks. She highlighted the Foundation’s longstanding partnership with UNICEF, which has contributed to important child welfare policy frameworks, such as the Breast Milk Substitutes Act, 2012, and the Health Act, 2017. These frameworks support the Better Business Practices for Children Initiative, a women-centred program aimed at empowering young working mothers to take the lead in family decisions regarding nutrition.
She expressed her commitment to partnering with UNICEF to engage the private sector in advancing the First Foods Agenda, addressing the triple burden of malnutrition that has led to rising cases of wasting, stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity among children. Additionally, Ms. Ndekei impressed Britam to collaborate on establishing Tiny Parks for children in low-income urban areas, creating safe play environments for children to support their optimal growth and development. She also advocated for collaboration on borehole projects in Mwatate and Makueni to enhance access to sustainable water sources.
Mr. Gitogo provided an overview of Britam Group, which began in 1965 as a life insurance company and now operates in seven African countries, offering essential financial and health services vital to overall well-being. He expressed commitment to establishing partnerships with UNICEF and KEPSA. Ms. Karita then shared insights about Britam Foundation, highlighting its mission to enrich lives in Africa by empowering communities through holistic health, quality education, sustainable environments, and entrepreneurial opportunities. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with public and private sector organizations, as well as NGOs, in advancing programs focused on access to sustainable water solutions, maternal and child healthcare, and parental empowerment.
Ms. Borromeo shared that UNICEF is dedicated to championing children’s welfare through four key pillars: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; Education; Social Protection; and Health and Nutrition. These areas are advanced under 11 advocacy priorities. She also invited Britam to participate in the commemoration of the 35th Convention on the Rights of the Child, observed annually on World Children’s Day, which takes place on November 20th.
KEPSA Foundation, UNICEF, and Britam representatives committed to further explore collaborations emphasizing the power of leveraging partnerships within the ecosystem to maximize impact and drive collective progress toward these goals.
