Companies must look beyond profit motive

Amsons Group MD Edha Nahdi during the launch of “Amsons Mama na Mtoto Kwanza” project at State House, Nairobi, on April 30, 2026. [Courtesy]

Companies, by their nature, have a profit motive driving their operations. Shareholders, of course, expect good returns on their investment and are generally happy when a profit windfall is declared. 

But there comes a time when corporations must look beyond the profit motive and play a greater role in society’s well-being. They must step up and tackle societal problems as much as they are chasing profits. A couple of Kenyan companies have shown what a little portion of their profits can do for the less privileged in society.