NETFUND AWARDS EXEMPLARY LOCAL EXPORT BUSINESSES

By Mapesa Okumu

NETFUND joined Export Promotion Council (EPC) and other partners to honor local enterprises that have significantly contributed to Kenya’s export business. The winners of the inaugural Kenya Exporter of the Year Awards (KEYA 2019), who were among the 24 companies that participated in the competition, were awarded for exemplary business performance.

British American Tobacco (BAT) Kenya Limited won the Solid Rock Commendation (Lifetime Achievement) Award while the Spear of The Nation Award (Outstanding Sector Commendation) was given to Molo River Roses Limited. Other winners were Polucon Services Kenya Ltd and Smolart Self-Help Group (Rising Stars Award) and Jungle Macs (EPZ) Limited (Upcoming Export Performers – Eagles Award).  C. Dorman won the best Foreign Exchange Contributor (Forex) and Gold Crown Foods the Novelty Innovation Award.

The Deputy President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto, the CS Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Peter Munya, EPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Kibet Biwott, NETFUND Ag. CEO Mr. Samson Toniok, and other guests celebrated and awarded the exemplary performers in the export industry.  NETFUND supported and awarded the Sustainability Category during the KEYA awards, to encourage sustainable management of resources in the industry.

The Awards were held during the Third Kenya Trade Week and Expo, which took place at KICC, Nairobi from July 15 to 16, 2019.The Expo aimed to position Kenya as a leader in the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) as well as increase intra-Africa trade. The awards also aimed at encouraging Kenyans to join in and be part of the export community to earn Kenya the most foreign exchange.

During the awards, focus was on excellence-based and recognition honors; these were 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 were also evaluated.

Speaking during the Award Ceremony, Deputy President Dr. William Ruto who officiated 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 by positioning Kenya as an outward looking continent with a continually improving and stable business environment. Mr. Biwott, said the programme will help power the Government’s Big Four Agenda by recognizing excellence while inspiring ambitious companies to export more to boost the economy.