Women entrepreneurs being celebrated at Kayana Female MSME Awards at Hyat Regency in Westlands Nairobi .
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 ,Kayana celebrated remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector across various categories, highlighting their innovation, resilience, and commitment to community impact.
The transparent and inclusive award process began with the close of nominations on February 29, 2024. Judges then selected the finalists between March 8 and April 5, 2024, with public voting occurring from April 15 to June 7, 2024. Esteemed judges Victor Otieno, Chris Maara, Chebet Cheruiyot, and Mercy Kimalat oversaw the process, ensuring fairness and integrity. “This year’s nominees represented a diverse array of businesses, each making significant contributions to their communities and industries,” said Victor Otieno.
Essenpark Limited emerged as the winner for Commitment to Staff Development, recognized for their dedication to employee growth. Minat Bakery & Cake Zone won the Community Impact award for their significant contributions to community sustainability, while Eco Makaa Solutions was honored for their achievements in environmental sustainability. Diro Jewelers received the Kayana’s Choice Award for their business excellence, and Gwiji for Women was celebrated for their innovative use of technology.
Eco Nasi Leather won the Most Innovative Business category, and De Vani Chocolatier was recognized for their exceptional resilience, earning the Most Resilient Business award. The Chic Evangelist Collection was honored for exemplary leadership, winning the Strong Leadership category, and Africana Woman took home the Diaspora Excellence Award for their outstanding business achievements across Africa.
Kayana Create, the organization behind the awards, cultivates a nurturing environment for women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. Their commitment to building community, growing capacity, and creating collaborations has empowered countless women to reach new heights of success. The organization’s ethos revolves around fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, providing a platform where dreamers, doers, and visionaries can thrive.
Since its inception in 2022, the Kayana Female MSME Awards have spotlighted the extraordinary accomplishments of female entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond. The awards recognize innovation, resilience, and leadership within the MSME sector. Over 1,000 nominations across nine categories have been received, recognizing over 50 remarkable nominees. Last year, winners participated in a business incubation program in Zurich, Switzerland, in collaboration with ON Running, further showcasing the global impact of these awards.
Kayana Create’s commitment extends beyond mere recognition. Through robust curricula, such as the Passport to Business program, and various training initiatives, they empower women entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge. By facilitating market access and fostering partnerships, Kayana Create amplifies the impact of women entrepreneurs, driving innovation and economic empowerment across the region.
The Kayana Awards 2024 not only celebrated the achievements of female entrepreneurs but also inspired future generations to continue driving innovation and economic empowerment in their communities. This year’s event reaffirmed Kayana Create’s role as a vital bridge, fostering connections within the business community and with government initiatives, entrepreneurial hubs, and organizations dedicated to fostering business growth.
As the awards program grows each year, it remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, highlighting the extraordinary potential of female entrepreneurs and their pivotal role in shaping the future of business in Kenya and beyond. The Kayana Awards 2024 proved to be a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the unwavering spirit of women in business.
