Factors Influencing Implementation of Sustainable CSR Practices in the Energy Sector in Kenya: Case of Kenya Electricity Generating Company
Gekonge Dorcas Arama1, Kamaara Mary2
1Gekonge Dorcas Arama, Masters Student, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science & Technology, Juja, Kenya.
2Dr. Mary Kamaara, Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science & Technology. Juja, Kenya.
Manuscript received on May 12, 2016. | Revised Manuscript received on May 20, 2016. | Manuscript published on July 05, 2016. | PP: 7-22 | Volume-6 Issue-3, July 2016. | Retrieval Number: C2857076316
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© The Authors. Published By: Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: In the last decade, the issue of sustainability has become very critical the world over for governments and business alike. This has seen an increased uptake of CSR activities by many organizations in the areas of environmental, social and economics as marked by increased expenditure in implementation of CSR programs in an effort to contribute to the sustainability agenda. However, most of the CSR programs adopted by organizations are not sustainable as they have weak integration to corporate strategies are faced by lack of project sustainability, financial sustainability, weak structures and systems and low visibility. Moreover, the companies also face threats from communities, complex regulatory framework and there being a mismatch between community needs and corporate objectives as most of the CSR projects are dictated by boardroom decisions. If a business is to have a deliberate positive and consistent impact on society, then its purpose and values should be shared by all those who may influence and be influenced, affect or get affected by its actions. This study therefore aimed at providing a predictive mechanism of the various influences of implementation of sustainable CSR practices in organizations through a case study approach of KenGen one of the key players in the energy sector of Kenya. The findings of this study is that interventions to reduce the restraining effect of negative influences such as internal inhibitors that sap out the power of positive forces on implementation of sustainable CSR practices. The paper therefore proposes management intervention measures such as development of measurement metrics that will help track performance and prioritization of CSR programs based on need and impact assessment to ensure improved livelihood of target beneficiaries.
Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, sustainable CSR practices, Sustainability