Group photo for stakeholders during the Kayana Awards.
The highly anticipated Kayana Awards took place Yesterday in Nairobi where Various winners in various business categories were celebrated.
The event honoured the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSME) sector across various categories, showcasing their innovation, resilience, and commitment to community impact.
The award process, renowned for its transparency and inclusivity, began with the close of nominations on February 29, 2024. This was followed by the judges’ finalist selection from March 8 to April 5, 2024. Finalist voting took place from April 15 to June 7, 2024, overseen by our esteemed judges, including 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,” said Victor Otieno.
Voting Categories:
1. Commitment to Staff Development: This category acknowledged small business
owners who tapped into the strengths and talents of their employees, providing
mentorship, skill-based training, flexible learning options, and fostering a supportive
working environment.
2. Community Impact: This category highlighted businesses that significantly contributed to their communities through economic sustainability, social consciousness, community
cohesion, and cultivating relationships.
3.Environmental Impact: Recognized MSMEs committed to environmental sustainability,
showcasing their achievements to inspire others and promote best practices in the
business community.
4.Kayana’s Choice Award: Honoured business excellence based on reputation,
professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality of service or product within the
Kayana Community.
5. Most Adaptive Use of Technology: This category celebrated MSMEs that embraced
technology solutions to offer efficient customer service, enhancing their operations in the modern business landscape.
6.Most Innovative Business: Acknowledged businesses that introduced new ideas,
services, and products, meeting the evolving demands of the market through constant
innovation.
7.Most Resilient Business: Recognized businesses demonstrating exceptional resilience in the face of challenges, showcasing strategic planning and readiness to navigate market shifts.
8.
Strong Leadership: Sought to honour business owners who inspired their teams, made
responsible decisions, valued diversity, managed finances well, and created a culture of teamwork.
9.The Diaspora Excellence Award: This special category celebrated exceptional African
women entrepreneurs who successfully launched and scaled businesses across the
continent, contributing to economic growth and social development.
Kayana Female MSME Awards 2024 Nominees List:
1. Commitment to Staff Development:
● Winner: Essenpark Limited
● 1st Runner-up: MRX Media Limited
● 2nd Runner-up: Spectrum Engineering
2. Community Impact:
● Winner: Minat Bakery & Cake Zone
● 1st Runner-up: Kaya Nuts
● 2nd Runner-up: Soraya Teen Moms & Girls
3.Environmental Impact:
● Winner: Eco Makaa Solutions
● 1st Runner-up: Tupike Ventures
● 2nd Runner-up: Kiasili Farm
4.Kayana’s Choice Award:
● Winner: Diro Jewellers
● 1st Runner-up: Mutitu Honey
● 2nd Runner-up: HB Leather
5. Most Adaptive Use of Technology:
● Winner: Gwiji for Women
● 1st Runner-up: GRise Systems Solutions
● 2nd Runner-up: Nyumba Zetu
6.Most Innovative Business:
● Winner: Eco Nasi Leather
● 1st Runner-up: Viv’s In-houz Spa
● 2nd Runner-up: Zidallie Technologies Limited.
7. Most Resilient Business:
● Winner: De Vani Chocolatier
● 1st Runner-up: Virtually Yours by Connie
● 2nd Runner-up: Everest Enterprises Limited
8.Strong Leadership:
● Winner: The Chic Evangelist Collection
● 1st Runner-up: Teach for Kenya
● 2nd Runner-up: African Woman Global Network,
9.The Diaspora Excellence Award:
● Winner: Africana Woman
● 1st Runner-up: Lamalo Essentials
● 2nd Runner-up: Krypia Finance
Kayana Create cultivates a nurturing environment for women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to flourish. Their ethos revolves around fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, providing a platform where dreamers, doers, and visionaries can thrive.
Anchored on three core pillars, our commitment to the community is unwavering.
