Keroche CEO Tabitha Karanja has been awarded the prestigious Entrepreneurial Excellence in Africa Award , for her efforts in contributing to the country’s economic development.
The award, part of the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize by Ghana-based Millennium Excellence Foundation, honours personalities whose work has had development and economic impact across the continent. Karanja, a renowned business woman who has put up a spirited fight in the highly-competitive beer and spirits market, received the award in a ceremony held in Accra on Saturday evening.
She becomes the first Kenyan woman to win the award which has previously been won by former President Mwai Kibaki and Manu Chandaria. The Keroche founder has been recognised for her stewardship of the Naivasha-based brewery which since its establishment in 1997,
has grown tremendously, creating employment and economic empowerment of locals.
“I dedicate this award to Kenyans for their support. It wipes away the myth that there is no room for women in the boardroom. I believe it will inspire and motivate more women to greater heights,” Karanja said.
“Winning an African award for me means it is time to think about the African market. It shows me there is nowhere I can’t be,” she added.
Karanja is known for her strong stand in the tough Kenyan business environment. Her resilience and sharp business sense has won her numerous accolades that include Transformational Business Award at the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship 2015.
Others are Forbes Africa Woman of the Year 2014,Forbes East Africa Business Woman of the year 2014, the Golden Jubilee Award 2013.
She also has the
honorary State Commendation of Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear.
The awards took place in Accra, Ghana on Saturday.