NAIROBI, Kenya June 12 – Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has called for a stronger focus on people in development planning, arguing that sustainable growth can only be achieved when communities and workers are placed at the centre of economic progress.Speaking during Capital FM’s Sustainability Town Hall at Strathmore University, KPC General Manager for Strategy and Commercial Services, Zilper Abong’o, said organisations must ensure that economic development delivers tangible benefits to people while safeguarding their well-being.“Sustainable growth can only be achieved when people are protected, empowered and included in development initiatives,” she said.Abong’o noted that the social pillar of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks is becoming increasingly important as businesses seek to balance profitability with social responsibility and long-term community impact.She said infrastructure projects, particularly in strategic sectors such as energy, must create shared value by supporting local communities, promoting inclusion and ensuring safe and fair working conditions.The KPC executive further emphasised the importance of employee wellbeing, workplace safety and responsible business practices across supply chains, noting that organisations must be accountable not only to shareholders but also to employees, customers and the communities in which they operate.The discussion formed part of Capital FM’s second Sustainability Town Hall of 2026, which brought together leaders from business, academia and civil society to explore the growing importance of the social pillar of ESG.Participants agreed that while environmental sustainability often receives significant attention, organisations must equally prioritise issues such as inclusion, diversity, youth empowerment, decent work and community development if they are to achieve lasting impact.The forum also highlighted the need for greater collaboration between the private sector, educational institutions and policymakers to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.