Our Story
Background
The Browns and Finlays Community Trust is an independent charity that endeavours to empower communities and nurture sustainable growth in Bomet and Kericho Counties. Funded by Browns Plantations Kenya Limited (80%) and Finlays (20%), the Trust works collaboratively with local communities to deliver meaningful and lasting social, environmental and economic benefits.
Through community-led partnerships and targeted investments, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that address local priorities, create shared value and contribute to sustainable, long-term community development.
The Browns and Finlays Community Trust.
Pamoja Tustawi / Together We Prosper
OUR COMMITMENT
1. Acting for the long-term.
We create sustainable, long-term impact by supporting a variety of projects and initiatives across the strategically important areas of education, infrastructure, health and disaster relief.
2. Partnering with the Community.
Being community-driven is one of our key values which is why we appoint trustees from local communities, who are nominated by the communities themselves. This gives them an equal voice in the administration of the Trust and allocation of funds. The Trustees seek to allocate funds equitably across Bomet and Kericho Counties.
3. Independent and transparent.
We are funded by Browns Plantations Kenya Limted (formerly James Finlay Kenya) and Finlays who have committed to sustainably support residents of Bomet and Kericho counties through funding.
4. Substantial long-term investment.
We are funded by Browns Plantations Kenya Limited (formerly James Finlay Kenya) and Finlays who have committed to enhance funding significantly to continue to support Bomet and Kericho Counties.
PURPOSE
The Trust will ensure we deliver maximum value by working closely with the local communities; co-creating and delivering initiatives with a positive impact in Bomet and Kericho counties.
GOAL
The Browns and Finlays Community Trust seeks to empower communities and nurture sustainable growth in Bomet and Kericho Counties.
GOVERNANCE
Greater responsibility for governance of the Trust is vested in the community. The Trust is governed by an independent Board that includes trustees from Browns Plantations Kenya, Finlays, the community and a chairperson who acts as an impartial and objective voice providing strategic advice to its members.
Board of Trustees
The Funders
Browns Plantations Kenya Limited is a leading producer and exporter of tea and timber, with operations in Kericho and Bomet counties. It is part of Browns Plantations, a division of the Browns Group under LOLC Holdings PLC, a listed Sri Lankan conglomerate with diversified global investments. The company is co-owned by the local community, with a 15% stake held through the Kipsigis Highlands Multipurpose Cooperative Society, reflecting its commitment to shared value creation and long-term community partnership.
Sustainability is central to Browns Plantations Kenya’s operations and growth strategy. The company continues to invest in environmental conservation, renewable energy, electric mobility, responsible land management, and community development initiatives that support inclusive and climate-resilient growth. Through innovation, responsible production, and strategic investments in premium tea, Browns Plantations Kenya is advancing the future of Kenyan tea while creating lasting value for its employees, farmers, communities, customers, and the environment.
Finlays is the leading independent B2B supplier of tea, coffee and botanical solutions to beverage brand owners worldwide that has been in existence since the year 1750.