Press Release
Kenyan Institutions Among Top Organizations in Africa to be Recognized for CSR & Tech Innovations at International Awards Gala to be Held in Nairobi
Kenya will host the 9th edition of the prestigious Pacesetters International Awards (PIA) Gala Dinner on Friday, 27th June 2025, in Nairobi. 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. Over 300 companies have been recognized by the PIA since its inception, with ceremonies hosted in prestigious venues across Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The 2023 Continental Chapter took place at Serena Hotel, while the East African Chapter was hosted at Weston Hotel. Previous editions were held at Panari Hotel in Kenya and Serena Hotel in Uganda,” said 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, Ena Coach, Little Pesa, City Walk Ltd, Seneka Security, Nation Media Group, Jeff Hamilton, Brighter Monday, Robisearch Ltd, Westlands Laser Eye Hospital, The University of Nairobi, and SUN FM & TV Zambia, Boma Diaspora and My Wood Limited, Press Cane Ltd of Malawi, Triple A Petroleum Limited of South Sudan, Raphael Logistics Limited of Tanzania, Creudalva Empreendimentos LDA of Angola, Digit Vehicle Tracking Ltd of Uganda, Caplaki Craft Village of Rwanda and Gotovate Africa Safaris Group. Past award partners have included Nation Media Group, Safaricom PLC, and Zoho Corporation.
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, Business Daily, 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, media personalities including Radio Presenter Mwalimu Mbaruk of Radio 47, Journalists Jeff Koinange of Royal Media Services, Esther Kirong of Radio Maisha, Zubeidah Kananu – President of the Kenya Editors Guild, who is also a Show Host and News Anchor at KTN News, Tina Ogal – Head of Citizen Radio, Yvonne Okwara of Citizen TV, James Smart of NTV, Aby Agina – Senior Producer & Anchor at CNBC Africa, Melissa Auma Oluoko of Hope FM and Trevor Ombija of Citizen TV, celebrities Churchill Ndambuki, Erick Omondi and Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania.
“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.
Speaking in Kigali, Rwanda, upon receiving news on his nomination, Aby Agina – Senior Producer & Anchor at CNBC Africa – Africa’s most powerful multiplatform business media brand – said, “I thank Jubilant Stewards of Africa for this award. It is such a humbling recognition that the organization has bestowed upon me. It is truly a watermark of the impactful work we continue to do. I urge upcoming business journalists in the region to strive to put public interest first. I dedicate this award to our time’s gallant men and women.”
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.
About Pacesetters International Awards
The Pacesetter International Awards (PIA) is an Industry leadership Recognition survey initiated by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), a Non-Governmental Organization, to celebrate industry leaders for their innovation, quality products, services, job creation, leadership by example, growing the economy and transforming the society.
Pacesetter International Awards seeks to encourage organizations and individuals to go beyond the call of duty in their service to humanity. The awards don’t just look at excellence as being top in the industry but look at the processes involved and how organizations go out of their way to serve humanity. It also proposes to promote best practices and ethics in industry leadership.
https://www.jubilantstewards.org/pacesetter-award-industry-leadership-recognition-survey/
For further details and updates, please contact;
Christine Akinyi
Programs and Communications Associate
Jubilant Stewards of Africa
+254 719 408 244 / +254 720 675161 / +254 728126130
https://www.jubilantstewards.org/
