SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

1. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
   The employees of Kirimara Estate are members to COTU (Central Organization of Trade Unions) and KPWA (Kenya Plantation Workers Union). Kirimara pays monies from staff salaries directly to KPWA as members contribution.
   
   KPWA mediates on behalf of the workers in case of disputes. All the cases are documented and filed by farm management.
    
2. No Discrimination
   There is no discrimination on Kirimara with regard to ethnicity, religion or sex, regardless of the fact that culturally in Kenya, the women have a lower standing than men.
   
   During peak season, work is offered on a first come first serve basis, and on confirmation of age.
    
3. No Child Labour
   Kirimara Estate does not employ children. All farm workers (permanent/seasonal) must produce national identification cards which are acquired at the age of 18. Youth between ages 14-17 years are allowed to work during school holidays but only if accompanied by parents or guardians. Kirimara Primary School is located on the edge of the farm on land that was jointly contributed by neighboring farms (Kirimara Estate included). It is run by the Ministry of Education under the free primary education program. It is mandatory for all young children of school going age children in the country to attend primary school.
    
4. No forced labor
   100% compliance. Workers enjoy collective bargaining agreements between KCGEA (Kenya Coffee Growers and Employers association) and KPWA/COTU
    
5. Written Contracts
   There are formal contracts in existence that are legally binding before staff engagement.
    
6. Working Hours
   Standard working hours are between 7.am and 3.pm. Overtime is purely voluntary and workers are paid 1.5% above normal working rate for every overtime hour worked.
    
7. Occupational Health and Safety Conditions
   Permanent employees on Kirimara are registered by the NHIF (National Hospital Insurance Fund) which guarantees free treatment at government hospitals. The Nyeri Provincial Hospital is 20minutes away and a vehicle is always available for emergencies.
    
8. Access to clean water and sanitation
   Drinking water is supplied to the estate by the government run Nyeri Municipal Council.
   The water is consumed by people living in and around Nyeri district.
    
9. Living conditions
   Staff live in permanent houses on the estate all with water access. Outdoor washrooms and facilities are located by the living quarters. There is electricity and security on the entire estate.
    
10. Diversified shade
    Coffee in Kenya is not traditionally grown under shade. The area has trees and the management continue to plant trees on underutilised land as Ecological Compensation Zones.
     
11. Conservation of Wildlife and protection of endangered species
    Kirimara estate is based in an agricultural zone and has been for the last 100years from the colonial era. The farm was acquired from European settlers who introduced coffee growing in Kenya. There has been no recent cutting of trees, and the bush, trees and rivers are home to various wildlife species including birds, fish, insects and worms.
     
12. Use of agrochemicals
    The farm uses a variety of agro-chemicals for various needs.
    Nutrition supplies are magenisium and phophorus additives.
    The pesticides are not poisonous to the flora and fauna and Integrated Pest Management is implemented as necessary.
     
13. Application of agrochemicals
    The farm provides protective clothing for workers who handle agro-chemicals.
     
14. Storage of Agrochemicals
    Kirimara Estate stores agro-chemicals separate from other utilities.
    Chemicals are stored in original packing and fire extinguishers are present .
     
15. Management of soil fertility
    Every 2 years, a soil and leaf analysis is undertaken. Recommendations are implemented over the 2 year period and the cycle continues.
    To control soil erosion, irrigation basins have been dug around the coffee bushes. The farm management has also embarked on planting of blue-grass which is good for holding soils and does not compete with the coffee for nutrients.
     
16. The use of organic matter is promoted
    Coffee pulp from the estate is used as recycled manure. Other than addition of organic matter, it is a potassium additive but has no great nutritional value. The farm also uses organic animal manure in average quantities.
     
17. Conservation of water resources
    The farm has a water re-circulation system at the wet-factory which regulates water wastage. River water is used and the water is pumped into a water tank where it settles. Waste water is deposited on a soak pit dug on the ground located at the highest point of the farm. This means that if eventually the water will get to the river, it will have undergone natural filtration processes from the soil formation.
     
18. Buffer zones at natural waterways
    Natural vegetation exists on the banks of both Chania and Honi Rivers.
     
19. Use of energy
    Kirimara sun-dry their coffee on shade-net patios to allow aeration.
    Electricity is used for water pumps, pulpers and lighting.
    Prunned coffee woodlots are used as fuel for cooking and extra sold to outsiders.
     
20. Management Plan to comply with sustainable standards
    This is the heart of the company’s operation. An annual business plan is produced which guides farm management on budgetary alocations all year round. This system is well defined.