Kenya will host the 9th edition of the Pacesetters International Awards on September 12, 2025, in Nairobi.
The event will
recognise outstanding small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, and professionals
from across Africa.
The awards, organised by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA)
through Pacesetters International Research and Consultancy Ltd in partnership
with the United SMEs Association of Kenya, will honor individuals and
organisations for their contributions in areas such as leadership,
sustainability, innovation, and customer service.
JSA Executive Director Jared Oundo said this year’s edition will highlight businesses that have demonstrated growth, resilience, and social impact.
“The shortlisted companies have set new standards in innovation and
sustainability, proving that SMEs are the engine of our economy,” he said.
Over the years, several well-known firms have been
recognised at the awards.
These include
Safaricom, Kevian Kenya Ltd, Little Pesa, City Walk Ltd, Trinity Express Buses Rwanda, Seneka
Security, Mention Sunflower Events, Vecarian Plant Ltd, Insight Security
Limited (Tanzania), Myspace Properties, Brighter Monday, Robisearch Ltd, RWK
Africa, and Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital.
According to sources familiar with this year’s nominees, new
entrants include TV47, Radio47 of Cape Media, and Shian Tours & Travels
Ltd.
Individual nominees include KCB Group CEO Paul Russo, journalists
Jeff Koinange (Citizen TV), Zubeidah Kananu (KTN), Yvonne Okwara (Citizen TV),
James Smart (NTV), and Aby Agina (CNBC Africa). Entertainers Daniel Ndambuki
(Churchill) and Erick Omondi are also among those listed.
The awards process uses the Organisation Performance Index
(OPI), a benchmarking tool that combines public voting, industry research, and
expert panel reviews. Winners are selected based on industry impact, economic
contribution, and ethical practices.
Past ceremonies have been held in venues across East Africa,
including Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Weston Hotel in Nairobi, and Serena
Hotel in Kampala.
This year’s event is expected to attract entrepreneurs,
investors, policymakers, and industry experts. Discussions will focus on emerging
trends such as digital transformation, sustainable business models, and
economic resilience.
Oundo also called on the government to improve the business
environment for SMEs, including reforms that expand access to affordable
credit.
