The Kayana Awards took place on July 10, 2024, at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Formerly known as the D.E.A.R MSME Awards, the Kayana Female MSME Awards was first introduced in 2021. The awards aimed to spotlight female entrepreneurs’ achievements in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in Kenya and beyond.
Shortlisted ventures are usually those that showcase their innovation, resilience, and commitment to community impact.
This year’s award process kickstarted with an open nomination phase that began in February 2024. During this phase, individuals nominate businesses they believe deserve recognition for their achievements in various categories. Subsequently, a rigorous shortlisting and vetting process was done by a panel of judges. They consisted of Victor Otieno, Chris Maara, Chebet Cheruiyot, and Mercy Kimalat.
“This year’s nominees represented a diverse array of businesses, each making significant contributions to their communities and industries,” commented Victor Otieno.
The nominated winners for The Kayana Female MSME Awards 2024, in the different categories, are as follows:
- Commitment to Staff Development: This category honors small business owners working to tap into the strengths and talents of employees through skill enhancement and development.
- Winner: Essenpark Limited
- 1st Runner-up: MRX Media Limited
- 2nd Runner-up: Spectrum Engineering
- 2. Community Impact: This category honors businesses having an impact in economic sustainability (e.g., employment opportunities)
- Winner: Minat Bakery & Cake Zone
- 1st Runner-up: Kaya Nuts
- 2nd Runner-up: Soraya Teen Moms & Girls
- Environmental Impact: This category recognizes outstanding MSMEs with deep commitments to environmental sustainability
- Winner: Eco Makaa Solutions
- 1st Runner-up: Tupike Ventures
- 2nd Runner-up: Kiasili Farm
- 4. Kayana’s Choice Award: This award recognizes business excellence based on brand reputation, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.
- Winner: Diro Jewellers
- 1st Runner-up: Mutitu Honey
- 2nd Runner-up: HB Leather
- Most Adaptive Use of Technology: This category honors the continuous effort by MSMEs to digitize their businesses to offer fast and efficient customer service.
- Winner: Gwiji for Women
- 1st Runner-up: GRise Systems Solutions
- 2nd Runner-up: Nyumba Zetu
- Most Innovative Business: This category recognizes businesses that have introduced new ideas, services, and products to meet the evolving demands of the market.
- Winner: Eco Nasi Leather
- 1st Runner-up: Viv’s In-houz Spa
- 2nd Runner-up: Zidallie Technologies Limited
- Most Resilient Business: This category honors businesses that demonstrate exceptional resilience in market challenges or internal hurdles.
- Winner: De Vani Chocolatier
- 1st Runner-up: Virtually Yours by Connie ●
2nd Runner-up: Everest Enterprises Limited
- Strong Leadership: This category honors business owners who make responsible and calculated decisions, manage business finances well, embrace diversity, and create a culture of teamwork.
- Winner: The Chic Evangelist Collection
- 1st Runner-up: Teach for Kenya
- 2nd Runner-up: African Woman Global Network
- The Diaspora Excellence Award: This is a special category that recognizes exceptional women entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact in Africa.
- Winner: Africana Woman
- 1st Runner-up: Lamalo Essentials
- 2nd Runner-up: Krypia Finance
Over the past three years, the Awards have garnered over 1000 nominations across nine different categories, resulting in the recognition of over 50 nominees. The award recipients have experienced significant growth and progress in their businesses due to the exposure and acknowledgment that accompany the award.
Last year, a select group of the winners participated in a one-week business incubation program in Zurich, Switzerland, in collaboration with ON Running. This year’s awards promise to be even more impactful.
