Kenya
will host the 9th edition of the prestigious Pacesetters International Awards
(PIA) Gala Dinner on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Nairobi.
The event is organized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa
(JSA), an NGO dedicated to improving living standards, social ethics, and dignity
and empowering communities through its research and consulting arm, Pacesetters
International Research and Consultancy Limited, in partnership with the United
SMEs Association of Kenya, among other partners.
The
annual award event is designed to celebrate and recognize exceptional SMEs and
mid-sized firms across 18 African countries.
“This
year’s Pacesetters International Awards will highlight the extraordinary
businesses driving Africa’s economy and hence national development and growth
of various sectors. The shortlisted companies have set new standards in
innovation and sustainability, proving that SMEs are the engine of our economy.
We look forward to celebrating these successes at the awards ceremony in June,”
Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa
The
awards process employs the Organization Performance Index (OPI), a benchmarking
tool ensuring that top professionals, firms, and institutions exhibit
excellence in both performance and ethical business practices.
Criteria
for recognition include brand visibility, financial performance, employee
growth, and business ethics, among others.
The
Pacesetter Award committee utilizes a growth index formula to create a level
playing field for businesses of all sizes, considering revenue and employee growth
over the past three years.
The
awards process also recognizes that organizational growth can have different
meanings across various sectors.
Winners
undergo a rigorous vetting process involving public voting, industry research,
and expert panel reviews, with selection based on their industry impact,
economic contributions, and commitment to corporate social responsibility.
The
Pacesetter International Awards further serve as a premier platform for thought
leadership, covering topics such as digital transformation, sustainable
business models, and the role of technology in growth.
The
event will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry
experts, offering valuable opportunities for networking and partnerships.
Some notable firms that have been recognized in the past awards include Telecommunication giant Safaricom PLC, Kevian Kenya Ltd, Little Pesa, City Walk Ltd, Seneka Security, Nation Media Group, Jeff Hamilton, Robisearch Ltd, Westlands Laser Eye Hospital, The University of Nairobi, Digit Vehicle Tracking Ltd of Uganda, Trinity Logistics & Transporters Rwanda, Jijenge Credit Ltd, SUN FM & TV Zambia, Vision 2030 Movement Zimbabwe, Press Cane Distillers Malawi, Movidna Services Pty South Africa and Mwananchi Credit.
According
to the sources privy to the awards nominees list; new entrants in the 2025
edition of the Pacesetters International Awards include; Pomper Adventures, Dr.
Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Royal Media Services, TV 47, Radio 47 of Cape Media,
Shian Tours & Travels Ltd and House & Homes Limited, Babs Security,
Rainbow Security, Broadway Bakery and Bakex Millers, Simbi Roses, Mwalimu
Sacco, CRDB Bank PLC, MTN Uganda, ITV Tanzania, Opportunity International, Royal
Mabati, Psalms Food Industries Limited and Bidco Uganda Limited.
Expected
awardees also include Top CEOs such as Paul Russo of KCB Group PLC and media personalities.
“Some
high ranking (government) officers nominated for the awards are: Irungu Kang’ata
of Murang’a, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi County, George
Natembeya of Trans Nzoia, Fatuma Achani of Kwale, Ken Lusaka of Bungoma,
Patrick Ole Ntutu of Narok, Simba Arati of Kisii, Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos,
and Mutula Kilonzo Jr. of Makueni. However, we will only select the top three
exceptional governors from this distinguished group,” Oundo said in a statement
sent to the press.
Similarly,
Dr. Anandh Ramanathan, Vice President of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital in
Westlands, Nairobi, said this during a visit by JSA’s executive to their
office;
“We are
thrilled about the acknowledgement, as it highlights our dedication. We look
forward to engaging with industry leaders to share insights and collaborate on
innovative healthcare solutions for the future.”
JSA boss
in charge of Sub-Saharan Africa also emphasized the importance of policy
reforms for SMEs.
He
highlighted the need for improving the ease of doing business, particularly
through better access to affordable credit and enhancing the financial services
sector to support SME growth.
