Safaricom PLC Director of Sustainable Business, Social impact and Foundations, Karen Basiye, has been named the Schwab Foundation Corporate Social Innovator of the Year 2026.
Schwab Foundation which was founded in 1998, accelerates social innovation for a more equitable, suitable and inclusive world. The 2026 awards feature social innovators and social entrepreneurs across 190 countries working in various sectors including democratic participation, education, healthcare and climate action whose efforts have improved nearly one billion lives globally.
Speaking about the awards, Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship said that the awardees represent purpose driven leadership during uncertainty. Her statement read,
‘’This year’s awardees highlight the extraordinary resilience and ingenuity at the heart of our social innovator and entrepreneur community. In the face of unprecedented disruption and uncertainty, these leaders have not only adapted their models but have deepened their commitment to lasting impact. Their achievements, alongside those of the wider community, demonstrate that purpose-driven innovation can truly transform societies and build a more inclusive, sustainable future for all. I am very proud of the role the Schwab Foundation plays in helping this remarkable community to thrive,’’
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In response to Basiye’s recognition, Safaricom noted that the recognition by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, isn’t just an award. ‘’It is a testament to the ‘Spirit of Safaricom’ , a belief that business thrives when society thrives.’’ Safaricom PLC shared in a statement.
Karen has been at the frontline of integrating social and environmental impact at Safaricom. Through her position, she champions climate action, digital inclusion and embodies ESG and SDGs as an enabler for a net positive future. Basiye is a Sustainability , Shared Value and Corporate Environment Specialist with 15 years’ experience.
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Over the years she has worked at National Environment Management Authority and Safaricom where she has developed competencies in Sustainability Reporting , Corporate Environmental Management, Environmental Management Systems including ISO certification and Environmental policies Environment Risk Management, Environmental Compliance Assessment, Energy and Climate change policies, Strategies for Sustainable Development among others.
She holds a Joint Master of Environmental Science, Policy and Management degree from Lund University (Sweden), University of Manchester (UK), Central European University (Hungary) and University of the Aegean (Greece) www.mespom.eu and a Bachelor of Environment Science degree from Kenyatta University. At Safaricom PLC, she leads the sustainability agenda for the company. Karen is passionate about the interplay between people, purpose and profits.
