Mr Kevin Leung, British Airways Acting Commercial Manager Kenya, Winner Zachary Ireri and Safaricom Director Enterprise Business Unit Rita Okuthe.
Five companies have been awarded for winning the Emerging Enterprise Initiative. Tiny Totos, Pegg Entertainment, Ukall Limited, Zamoyo Limited and Jiinue Holdingswere last Friday feted by British Airways and Safaricom the promotion campaign launched in November 2015.
The Emerging Enterprise Initiative was launched by British Airways and Safaricom in November 2015 as an effort to provide international exposure for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. The campaign aims at giving SME’s a boost by offering them access to international markets or a chance to source their supplies from source markets, at the most affordable and competitive rates.
The five companies falling under SME categories each receive British Airways’ 48,000 On Business points an equivalent of a return Business Class ticket to London and Ksh100,000 worth of Safaricom airtime to promote their businesses in any of the 114 British Airways destinations around the world. The companies emerged winners from over 100 companies who registered for the campaign.
“The Emerging Enterprise Initiative campaign sought to give small and medium businesses opportunities to spread their wings and explore opportunities to prosper,” said British Airways Acting Commercial Manager for Kenya Kevin Leung during the awards dinner at Villa Rosa Kempinsky. He said the On Business programme is flexible and offers travel savings to SME’s based on their loyalty as well as cash discounts on selected flights and bonuses.
Safaricom’s Enterprise Business Unit Director Ms Rita Okuthe said the partnership with British Airways was an opportunity to nurture the great ideas and innovation showcased by Kenyan SMEs. “Safaricom aims to support and empower people who want to better themselves and their businesses,” said Ms Okuthe. She also pointed out that Kenya is an SME driven economy employing 80 percent of people living the country and accounts for 92% of all jobs that are created. The sector contributes 45percent GDP.
