Nairobi -Kenya’s private sector has landed international recognition for its stand against corruption, after its national business ethics code won top honours at a global awards ceremony in Switzerland.
The Code of Ethics for Businesses in Kenya was named “Inspirational Newcomer” at the 2025 International Collective Action Awards, hosted by the Basel Institute on Governance. The awards spotlight efforts from around the world that tackle corruption through collaboration and shared values.
The Kenyan initiative, developed jointly by the Global Compact Network Kenya, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), stood out among stiff competition. Finalists included an anti-corruption club from Madagascar and a private-sector transparency initiative in Mexico.
The Code encourages companies to commit to ethical conduct and transparency in their dealings, aligning with the United Nations Global Compact’s Ten Principles. Since its launch, it has drawn endorsements from over 800 companies across the country.
“This recognition is for every company in Kenya that has chosen integrity over shortcuts,” said Judy Njino, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Kenya. “It shows that ethical business is not only possible, but powerful.”
Njino added that the award affirmed the strength of joint action in building fairer markets, calling it “a testament to what happens when the private sector leads boldly.”
Integrity as Strategy
Tobias Alando, CEO of KAM, echoed that sentiment, noting that integrity isn’t just about doing the right thing it’s also good for business.
“Companies that practise ethics gain a competitive edge,” he said. “They are more sustainable, more trusted, and better prepared for long-term growth.”
For KEPSA CEO Carole Kariuki, the award represents the fruits of a long-standing partnership rooted in shared values.
“We’ve built this Code together and it’s working,” she said. “It reduces risk, boosts investor confidence, and sets a higher standard for doing business in Kenya.”
Global Spotlight
The Basel Institute, founded in 2003, is a respected hub for anti-corruption policy and research. Its awards programme honours innovation and success in fighting corruption through what it calls Collective Action efforts that bring multiple players together around a common cause.
Kenya’s win underscores a growing belief that the fight against corruption isn’t only a job for governments. Businesses, too, have a crucial role to play and when they work together, change can follow.
As Alando put it: “We’re showing the world that integrity isn’t a barrier to success it’s the foundation of it.”
