The Kenya Export Promotion Council (EPC) on Monday honored local enterprises that have made significant contribution to the export sector at a ceremony full of pomp and colour.
The winners who were selected from 24 companies which participated in the inaugural Kenya Exporter of the Year Awards (KEYA 2019) were awarded for exemplary business performance under various categories.
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 Grpup (Rising Stars Awards), Jungle Macs (EPZ) Limited (Upcoming Export Performers – Eagles Award) C. Dorman won the best Foreign Exchange Contributor (Forex), and Gold Crown Foods (Novelty Innovation Diversification and Value Addition – Innovators Award).
The KEYAwards aimed at encouraging local enterprises to export their goods and services is organised by the EPC to recognise firms that have made significant contribution to the development of the economy through exemplary business performance.
The Awards 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.
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Deputy President Dr. 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.
Dr. 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, Mr. Peter Kibet Biwott, said the programme will help power the Government’s Big4 Agenda by recognising excellence while at the same time inspiring ambitious companies to export more to boost the economy.
