Karen Basiye, director of sustainable business, social impact and foundations, has been named a Schwab Foundation Corporate Social Innovator of the Year 2026, according to an announcement recognizing her leadership in embedding social and environmental impact into business strategy.
The recognition is awarded by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with the World Economic Forum. It highlights corporate leaders who demonstrate that business performance and societal progress can advance together.
Basiye has been at the forefront of integrating social and environmental impact into Safaricom’s operations, an approach the company describes as the “Spirit of Safaricom.” Her work spans climate action and digital inclusion, with a focus on ensuring that technology initiatives extend beyond connectivity to deliver measurable social outcomes.
The recognition reflects an approach to environmental, social and governance priorities that treats ESG frameworks and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as enablers of long-term value creation rather than compliance tools. The strategy is positioned as supporting a net-positive future for both business and society.
Safaricom said the award underscores the importance of earning a “social licence to operate” through consistent responsible action, particularly as the company scales its technology solutions.
The designation places Safaricom and Africa on the global stage for responsible business leadership, highlighting the role of corporate social innovation in shaping sustainable growth.