James Finlay Kenya is delighted to announce the official launch of the Finlays Community Trust, a new organisation that seeks to empower local communities and nurture sustainable growth in Kericho and Bomet Counties.
The Finlays Community Trust aims to deliver maximum social, environmental and economic benefits by taking a collaborative approach to working with local communities in Kenya, creating shared value. The Finlays Community Trust was officially launched on 6 August at an event attended by the Governors of Kericho and Bomet Counties, former beneficiaries of the Trust, as well as members of the local community such as small-scale farmers and MCAs (Members of County Assembly). The Guest of Honour was Simon Kiprono Chelugui E.G.H., the Kenyan Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection.
The Trust, which will receive enhanced funding from James Finlay Kenya, will replace the existing Finlays Charitable Trust and will take on all commitments and initiatives of the previous Trust, including welfare, infrastructure, conservation of the environment and education for communities.
Simeon Hutchinson, Managing Director of James Finlay Kenya says: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the Finlays Community Trust, which represents a significant evolution in our commitment and approach to supporting and empowering the communities we serve. Nurturing collaboration with community partners will help to stimulate job creation, boost economic development, build community capacity and leadership in the two counties.”
The Finlays Community Trust aims to build a collaborative partnership with the local community, providing it with control over how funding is allocated to different projects. Finlays will provide KSh 23.1m for local scholarships and KSh 13m for overseas scholarships. Funding for other projects will also be increased. The amount available each year will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the number of projects prioritised and the complexity of projects selected.
The Trust will be independent and will have three trustees from the local community. This will give the community an equal voice in the ownership and administration of the Trust, meaning the trust will have equal representation from the community.
Speaking at the launch, the new Chair of the Finlays Community Trust, Rt. Rev. Alfred K. Rotich said that “I am excited because what we launched today is a game-changer for the communities in Kericho and Bomet. Finlays has set a good example and is empowering the community to lead and take ownership of projects that will improve the lives of people. The community best understands their pain points and now have an opportunity to continuously empower themselves and shape their future. I would like to encourage the community to take advantage of the new Trust and work together with the Trustees to develop and design initiatives that will make a difference in our two counties.”
Initially, James Finlay Kenya will work closely with the Chairman and Board of Trustees to provide guidance and expertise to ensure the success of programmes. However, over time, the Trust will become increasingly independent from James Finlay Kenya. To ensure accountability and transparency, regular reports on funding allocation will be published each year.
About the Finlays Community Trust
The Finlays Community Trust is an independent charity that empowers communities and nurtures sustainable growth in Kericho and Bomet Counties. Funded by James Finlay Kenya, The Trust aims to deliver maximum social, environmental, and economic benefits by taking a collaborative approach and appointing trustees who represent local communities, thus creating shared value. By partnering with the community, we ensure The Trust invests in and supports the projects and initiatives that have the most meaningful and enduring impact.
Finlays has been a leader in sustainable tea production in Kenya for nearly 100 years. Embracing this sustainability-oriented thinking is part of their core value of being a purpose-driven business. The launch of the Finlays Community Trust is expected to nurture and develop more community partnerships over the years and enhance both the organisation and community outcomes in the two counties.
To find out more about James Finlay Kenya, visit www.finlays.net/about-us/locations/kenya/
