East African companies are expected to feature at the Elite Brands Awards International scheduled for Friday, 26 June 2026, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, opposite Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The event is organised by Jubilant Stewards of Africa in partnership with the United SMEs Association of Kenya, Pacesetters International Research and Consultancy Ltd and other partners. It will bring together organisations and individuals from across Africa to be recognised for performance and organisational practices.
According to the organisers, more than 100 companies from over 18 African countries are expected to take part in the ceremony.
The awards are based on the Organisational Performance Index (OPI), which is used to assess organisations using criteria such as processes, systems, service delivery, ethical practices and contributions to society, in addition to financial performance.
Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA) is a Public Benefit Organisation that works in community development, social ethics, dignity and empowerment across the region. It also works with civil society groups in East Africa and runs programmes related to humanitarian work, leadership recognition and corporate social responsibility.
“We are proud to host this innovative platform that recognizes organizations and leaders who go the extra mile. These awards celebrate real excellence, the kind that builds industries, creates jobs, and transforms communities,' JSA Executive Director Jared Oundo said.
The organisers said the ceremony is expected to be attended by the Head of State and government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, alongside speakers from the region.
Past awardees and partners have included Safaricom, BrighterMonday Kenya, City Walk, Royal Mabati, Kevian Kenya, Mwananchi Credit and Masai Mara University among others.
According to organisers, this year’s nominees include firms and institutions such as Talent Gurus@254, Insight Security Ltd Tanzania, Boma Mabati, Phone Place, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Strathmore University, Greenflux Bio Tech Limited, Rentco Africa, Tanzania Horticultural Association, Tala Kenya, Valley Hospital Nakuru, Service Cops Ltd Uganda and Eden Heights Realty.
Others expected to feature include Nairobi Sports House, Nation Media Group, Citizen TV, TV47, Radio47, Vodacom Tanzania, Indomie, Kimisitu Sacco, eMobilis Training Institute, Knight Frank, NCBA Bank, SGA Security and Car Soko.
Previous participants say the awards have recognised their performance and service delivery.
Kevian Kenya Managing Director Kimani Rugendo said the recognition motivated the company to improve quality and innovation, while Mwananchi Credit CEO Dennis Mombo said it validated their customer service approach.
The 2026 edition will recognise organisations across sectors including telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, education, security, hospitality, financial services and real estate.
Organisers say nominations are drawn from industry surveys and open submissions, and winners are selected through research and benchmarking. The event will bring together business leaders, government representatives, entrepreneurs and media.
