Chemutai Murgor, Chief Financial Officer for Kenya and Africa at Standard Chartered, has issued a powerful call to action for accountants to embrace a transformative opportunity in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Speaking at a recent industry event, Murgor described the shift toward ESG integration as a “once-in-a-century opportunity” that accountants must steward with urgency and purpose.
In a passionate address, Murgor urged professionals to move beyond basic ESG literacy and actively breathe life into these standards. “This is a sacred responsibility,” she emphasized. “We cannot afford to squander it.” She challenged accountants to deepen their understanding of ESG principles and leverage their existing capabilities to drive meaningful change.
Murgor highlighted the importance of advocacy in navigating the complexities of ESG implementation, warning of “interpretation minefields” that require proactive collaboration across ecosystems. “Take charge now,” she urged, encouraging accountants to work closely with stakeholders to shape effective strategies.
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As a seasoned finance leader, Murgor stressed that the profession is not starting from scratch. “We already have the skills and capabilities within us,” she said, calling for confidence in applying existing expertise to meet new demands. Her vision is clear: accountants must lead the charge in shaping the future of their profession by embracing ESG as a cornerstone of financial stewardship.
Murgor’s remarks come at a pivotal moment as businesses across Africa and beyond face growing pressure to align with sustainable practices. Her leadership at Standard Chartered, where she oversees financial strategy for Kenya and the broader African region, positions her as a key voice in driving the adoption of ESG standards across the continent’s financial sector.
