Kenya Exporter of the Year Awards (KEYA 2019), which is organised by the Kenya Export Promotion Council (EPC) to recognise firms that have made significant contribution to the development of the economy through exemplary business performance, has honoured local enterprises that have made significant contribution to the export sector.
British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya Limited won the solid rock commendation (lifetime achievement) award while spear of the nation award (outstanding sector commendation) went to Molo River Roses Limited.
Other winners were Polucon Services Kenya Ltd and Smolart Self-Help Group (rising stars awards), Jungle Macs (EPZ) Limited (upcoming export performers – eagles award) and Gold Crown Foods (novelty innovation diversification and value addition – innovators award).
The winners were selected from 24 companies for exemplary business performance under various categories, a move that is aimed at encouraging local firms to export their goods and services to boost the economy.
Deputy President William Ruto who graced the gala dinner said the awards will add impetus to the realization of a prosperous Kenya as envisaged in the Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda.
The programme will help inspire ambitious companies to export more to boost the economy
Ruto said Kenya is emerging as an outward looking continent with a continually improving and stable business environment and the Government is committed to enhancing her presence in Africa.
“With the realization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) towards an African Economic Community under the Abuja Protocol, Kenya’s positioning to strengthen her leadership role is imperative to harvesting the most foreign exchange,” he said.
Commenting on the awards, EPC chief executive officer, Peter Kibet Biwott, said the programme will help power the Government’s Big Four Agenda by recognising excellence while at the same time inspiring ambitious companies to export more to boost the economy.
KEYA focuses on excellence based and recognition honours, which are determined by leadership and corporate governance, marketing and customer focus, financial and revenue generation practices, and ICT adoption in the firms. Product quality, processes and certification, human resource management and sustainability of the firms are also evaluated.
