In an inaugural awards ceremony held on July 16, the Export Promotion Council honored local entrepreneurs who have made a significant contribution to the country’s export sector. The winners were selected from a group of 24 companies who participated in the first edition of the Kenya Exporter of the Year Awards (KEYA) and were awarded for exceptional business performance in different categories among them Outstanding Sector Commendation and Lifetime Achievement awards. The awards were organized by the EPC to recognize companies that have made contributions to the expansion and development of the economy through exceptional business performance.
The awards focus is on excellence based and recognition honors, which are determined by leadership and corporate governance, marketing and customer focus, financial and revenue generation practices, and ICT adoption in the firms. Product quality, processes and certification, human resource management and sustainability of the firms are also evaluated.
Among the companies that won awards at the ceremony was Gold Crown Foods which won the Novelty Innovation Diversification and Value Addition – Innovators Award, British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya Limited that won the Solid Rock Achievement (Lifetime Achievement Award) while the Spear of The Nation Award went to Molo River Roses Limited. Other firms that took home awards at the ceremony included Polucon Services Kenya Ltd and Smolart Self-Help Group (Rising Stars Awards) and Jungle Macs (EPZ) Limited (Upcoming Export Performers – Eagles Award).
Deputy President William Ruto, who was in attendance, lauded the event as one that would be a catalyst to the realization of a prosperous Kenya as envisaged in the Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda. He further said that Kenya is an outward looking country and is constantly improving and stabilizing its economic environment and that the government is committed to strengthening her presence in Africa.
EPC Chief Executive Officer Peter Kibet Biwott, said the program will help power the Government’s Big Four Agenda by recognizing excellence while at the same time inspiring ambitious companies to export more to boost the economy.