The career of an IIIEE alumna: Karen Basiye

What is your current role?

I work as the Director for Sustainable Business and Social Impact at Safaricom, a foundation that aims to transform the lives of Kenyans in all walks of life, through funding sustainable projects that have direct positive impact on building communities and transforming the lives of millions.

I play a pivotal role in aligning the company’s operations with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that every business’ decision in our projects considers its broader impact on society and the planet. Additionally, I lead the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations work in deciding which projects should receive funding.

One example of our work is the new programme, Citizens of the Future, which we are just about to launch. This programme is aimed at improving access to quality education in Kenya for better learning outcomes thus developing future citizens. The program goes beyond infrastructure developments to incorporate teacher training and digital components too. It will deliver a holistic approach from Early Childhood Development (ECD) through to tertiary institutions

What other work experiences can you highlight?

In addition to leadership roles at Safaricom, I have also served at various University Councils e.g. the University of Embu, had seats on the Governing Council of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and served as the Vice chair of the Environment Sector Board. I am also a Strategic Advisor on other various Boards. 

The world is globalised, and adaptation to cultural contexts is crucial for access to opportunities and partnerships. 

Over the years, I have received numerous recognitions for my leadership in sustainable business and social impact e.g. in 2019 being named an SDG Pioneer by the Global Compact, Kenya, and being listed among the Top 25 Most Impactful C-Suite Executives (2025). 

My work has also positioned Safaricom PLC as a beacon of responsible business in Africa, earning the company numerous accolades such as the Sustainability Catalyst Award at the Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards for transparent and ethical reporting (2022), the inaugural Environment Sustainability Award from KEPSA and UNEP (2023), Technology Disruptor Award (2024). 

On a continental stage, we were honoured with the Grand Prix Award at the Brand Africa Awards, celebrated for our exceptional brand excellence, steadfast commitment to sustainability, and our role in building a better Africa. 

How have you benefited from the education at IIIEE?

The MESPOM programme was rigorous and highly competitive, and this prepared me for the labour market in Africa. Some specific examples include; 

• Technical and scientific Literacy: the education was designed to tackle 21st environmental challenges from multiple angles. It trained me to be a translator between different domains. I learnt that a great scientific solution can fail without the right policy and management framework, and conversely, a well-intentioned policy is ineffective without solid science to back it. This gave me unique insights into global and local environmental thinking and sharpened my strategic thinking. The lecturers challenged our thinking and gave us a chance to work with various companies thus preparing me for my current role.
• Policy, regulation and governance exposure: I developed the ability to navigate complex regularoty landscapes. As we explore European environment laws vs country laws and applicability for Africa and Kenya.
• Networking and exposure: the fact that I got the opportunity to study in multiple European cities exposed me to diverse global worldviews. I was able to form international professional networks which have elevated my career. The programme also offered me linkages with private and public institutions.
• Strong research skills and innovation: the rigorous research training is useful for addressing challenges in education, health and agriculture. This prepared me for the current role I am in in the Sustainability space where Safaricom is impacting lives in key sectors. Our interventions are research -focused which borrows heavily from what I learned.
• Adaptability: I gained cross-cultural communication skills which allowed me to fit in our interconnected labour market. The world is globalised, and adaptation to cultural contexts is crucial for access to opportunities and partnerships. As I travelled across Europe for my studies, I had to learn new languages, be hands-on in my areas of study, understand different social values, and understand my environs. 

What motivates you in your daily work?

I am passionate about making a difference, leaving this world and the people I interact with in a slightly better position. My role allows me to transform lives every day. I do this by looking at my role beyond sustainability and philanthropy by focusing on the shared value mindset where I create tangible business and social value by leveraging strategic partnerships. 

Not two days are similar in my work life. One day I will be discussing the ESG strategy with the Board, the next hour I could be visiting patients in hospitals or joining students in schools or meeting with policy makers to discuss win-win outcomes for Kenyans. 

What advice would you give to students in sustainability?

I have some key advice that has helped me to form my career:

• Chart your own path: I initially wanted me to be a lawyer while my dad wanted me to be an economist. But I chose to follow my own path and went to Kenyatta University to follow my interest in environment science. This decision allowed me to stay true to my vision and goals and this was a critical first step to my sustainability.
• The importance of early experience: when assigned a role, be the dependable expert everyone can rely on. While doing my undergraduate degree, I volunteered in various organisations this built my confidence and presentation skills. My contribution at NEMA as an intern, charted the path for a job offer at the end of the internship period. This hands-on experience, quest for knowledge and learning agility further inspired me to pursue my master’s degree, thus showing how practical exposure can shape academic and career ambitions.
• Embrace a global perspective: this will open your eyes to global trends; it will broaden your perspective and challenge your approach to sustainability. Dare to do more than what is safe e.g. in 2014 when Safaricom fully integrated Children’s Rights in as part of our operations, no one thought businesses like ours had any significant contribution to make on this topic. Over the years, we have partnered with various organisations such as UNICEF to drive online child protection, prevent violence and abuse.
• Sustainability is dynamic: embrace a continuous learning approach. You will keep learning as you go, iterating your interventions and delivery as societal needs changes. 

Finally, l encourage all students to continuously build a support system, having people to rely on, both at University, and later, in the work place, is crucial.

• Do you want to read more Alumni stories? You find them here.

• More information about the Master's Programme in Environmental Management and Policy (EMP).