Press Release
LEADERSHIP: AFRICA’S TOP FIRMS HONORED IN KEY INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Kenya’s leading institution of higher learning, The University of Nairobi, giant bus company Ena Coach, Healing Tree Eye and Laser Hospital, AMCCO Properties, Aquamist, Kevian Kenya, SUN FM and TV Zambia, German Institute of Professionals Studies are among the leading firms and institutions in Africa honored in major International SMEs and Mid-sized institutions in the international awards dubbed Pacesetters International Awards which was organized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa and Pacesetters International Research and Consultancy Ltd as well as United SMES Association of Kenya. The awards bring together various entrepreneurs and professionals drawn from different countries in Africa. The Pacesetters International Awards, now a premier industry recognition platform, are based on a comprehensive Performance Index (OPI), where processes and systems are scrutinized and benchmarked against globally acceptable standards. The awards not only recognize excellence but also promote best practices and ethics in industry leadership. The awards have been previously held in Kampala and Dar Es Salaam among other places. This was the 7th Pacesetters International Awards while the 8th Pacesetters International Awards shall be held in Pretoria South Africa in April 2025.
The University of Nairobi emerged as the Pacesetter in Research and Development Excellence, Ena Coach Kenya was named the Pacesetter in the Transport and Parcel Company category, AMMCO Properties emerged as a pacesetter in Real Estate, Healing Tree Eye and Laser Hospital as fastest growing eye and laser hospital in Kenya and, Kevian Kenya and Aquamist Kenya Ltd were honoured for setting Pace in Beverage Distribution. Go Electric Ltd Rwanda emerged as Pacesetters in Electric Vehicles in the region.
Some of the firms that were feted included City Walk, Admission World Consult Limited Ghana, Little Pesa Limited, Mwananchi Credit Limited, Insight Security Limited Tanzania, Royal Mabati Factory Limited, Movidna Services (PTY) Ltd of South Africa, BrighterMonday Kenya, Comfort Homes Limited, Rani Ramchandani, Pettmall Shelter Limited, Vision 2030 Movement Zimbabwe, ASA International Kenya Limited, Meru’s Village HopeCore International, German Institute of Professional Studies, DTI Group, Risiih Investment Limited, Digital Driving School, Robisearch Limited, UTU Cars Africa, Senaca East Africa Ltd, Evmak Tanzania, Dukanikwetu Electronics, Efken Leasing Ltd, Momzy Network, My Wood Timber Co. Ltd, Certified Homes, Bama Diaspora Realty Limited, Browny Supreme Suppliers.
University of Nairobi, Sun FM & TV Zambia, Ena Coach and Mwananchi Credit Ltd tied in the chief Pacesetter Category and the organizers will release the winner among the four in their subsequent media briefing after reviewing public views, votes and panel of judges’ findings.
Speaking while receiving the Pacesetters International Awards, Jijenge Credit, CEO Peter Macharia Kamau said, “Jijenge Credit Ltd is deeply honored to receive the prestigious Pacesetters International Awards, a recognition of our unwavering commitment to excellence and community empowerment. This award reflects our dedication to providing innovative financial solutions that support individuals and businesses in achieving their dreams. We view this accolade not just as a celebration of our achievements, but as a call to action to continue making a positive impact in the communities we serve. It underscores the importance of collaboration and integrity in our journey toward fostering economic growth and social progress. We are grateful to our clients, partners, and team members whose relentless support and hard work have made this recognition possible. Together, we look forward to building a brighter future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
The ceremony brought together the Africans most influential investors, top talent leaders, deal makers, financial titans, and market movers for high-level conversations on pressing issues impacting our economy and market today. These visionaries shared wisdom for today, predictions for tomorrow, and strategies that are crucial in today’s cautious economic climate. Centering around the theme of investing in the future, the ward gala dinner featured some of the prominent brands in finance, media, real estates, education, technology, and transport. Guided but not limited by the theme, participants explored candid and actionable conversations about where markets, digital assets, and consumer trends could head next. The objective of these awards gala dinner is to provide firms from various sectors of the global economy with an opportunity to showcase their technological inventions and cutting-edge solutions, address today’s critical issues, shift their perspective on sustainability, and gather world-renowned business visionaries to decode future trends in the market.
Pacesetters International Awards (PIA) is an annual Industry leadership Recognition program organized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), a Non-Governmental Organization, to celebrate key industry leaders for their innovation, quality products, and service delivery, job creation, exemplary leadership, growing the economy, and transforming the society. These awards are based on the economic and social impact rather than the balance sheet. Jubilant Stewards of Africa is dedicated to the improvement of living standards, social ethics, dignity, and empowerment of communities. As part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI), JSA empowers and supports firms and professionals in their quest to better society and impact lives. The winners in various categories are carefully selected through a competitive and thorough process involving a public vote and a panel of judges.
“Pacesetters Awards considers a range of quantitative and qualitative aspects to determine and honor the winners. A novel survey model was initiated in 2020 as per the hyperinflationary environment. The model has since been tested and it demonstrated its functionality, elasticity, and robustness. Furthermore, models in various industries such as the financial sector were remodeled to enhance their significance to the current environment, enhance quality and increase the objectivity of results.” said Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa.
Notable individuals were also recognized, Rani Ramchandani pacesetter philanthropist of the Year, Erick Wilson Wafula pacesetter in Consumer Psychology to appreciate their impact in the society at large.
This year’s awards saw the participation of new entrants such as Salihiya Cargo and Shipping Agency, Kemuma Engineering Systems, Urbann Vacations, Senaca Security, Miss Clean Domestic and Office Solutions Limited, Twiva, FIT Property, Letash World Real Estate, Adval Properties Limited, and Prime House Interiors Ltd making a strong impact.
Commenting on the awards, Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), emphasized the importance of the awards in encouraging organizations and individuals to excel beyond the call of duty. He noted that the awards aim to celebrate industry leaders for their innovation, quality products and services, job creation, and contributions to the economy and society.
Dr. Ekra Ndungu, the CEO German Institute of Professional Studies in her inspiring keynote address, highlighting the importance of innovation and the role of leadership in shaping the future. The speech set the tone for the award’s gala dinner, emphasizing the values of the Pacesetters International Awards – pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and making a lasting impact.
“We are delighted and thankful to be recognized by Pacesetters International Award with humility and joy. As one of the leading Kenyan suppliers of bottled mineral water, ready to drink juices and energy drinks, we strive for highest industry standards as a key differentiator and unique selling proposition in a fiercely competitive category. This award is therefore dedicated to the entire team whose drive and tireless efforts enable us to serve our customers and consumers with acclaimed products and services every day. The recognition will give us impetus to continue striving for unrivaled products and services. We commend Pacesetters International for the initiative and send our congratulations to other winners,” Joe Gikonyo, Head of Commercial at Aquamist Kenya Limited.
Jared Oundo echoing the speech of last year’s guest speaker during the 5th Pacesetters Awards Ceremony Prof PLO Lumumba who served as the Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission as well as the Director of The Kenya School of Law, said that there is a need for Africa to leverage technology that will reduce over-reliance on European and the Western Nations. He also said that as much as he celebrates all the awardees, they should not rest but aim at doing better because in our world today, it is survival of the fittest and only the brave and strong survive. Prof. Lumumba added that Pacesetters Awards was a noble idea in recognizing those who are doing good and they ought to be encouraged.
On the other Mwananchi Credit’s, Chief Executive Officer Dennis Mombo attributed their recognition at Prestigious Pacesetters International awards to the relentless efforts of the entire Mwananchi Credit team that made them stand out and be honored by the awards organizers.
“Being honoured as a Pacesetter for the fourth time is not just a recognition of our past achievements but a motivation for us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards in financial services,” remarked Mwananchi Credit’s boss.
According to Alex Matuku- Corporate Solutions Manager, “BrighterMonday owes its recognition in the Pacesetters International awards to their continuous product enhancements and integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Its Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and relevance matching, powered by sophisticated algorithms, ensure the precise alignment of candidates’ skills and qualifications with employers’ specific needs. We continue to transform the face of Executive search across Kenya for Mid to Senior roles, with a capacity to deliver across industries. Our ability to align our solutions with our client’s needs continues to underline our position as the recruitment powerhouse of Kenya and a pacesetter in all matters of People & Talent across the region.”
ABOUT PACESETTERS AWARDS
Pacesetters Awards (PSA) survey is a one-year Industry leadership Recognition appraisal initiated by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), a Non-Governmental Organization, to celebrate industry leaders for their innovation, and quality products, services, job creation, exemplary leadership, growing the economy and transforming the society. The winners in various categories were competitively selected through a thorough process that partly involved a public vote and a panel of judges.
PSA seeks to encourage organizations and individuals to go beyond the call of duty in their service to humanity. PSA awards don’t just look at excellence as being top in the industry but look at the processes involved and how organizations go out of their way to serve humanity. It also purposes to promote best practices and ethics in industry leadership. The awards are based on the Performance Index (OPI) where processes and systems are scrutinized and benchmarked against globally acceptable standards. Pacesetters Awards recognize and celebrate the key players in various categories who have over the years achieved outstanding results and made positive contributions to their industry growth.
https://www.jubilantstewards.org/pacesetter-award-industry-leadership-recognition-survey/
FMI https://pacesettersinternational.com/pacesetter-international-awards/
For further details and updates, please contact;
Meir Mwango
Programs Communications Assistant
Jubilant Stewards of Africa
Cell: +254 719 408 244 / +254 794 322 883
Email: admin@jubilantstewards.org awards@pacesettersinternational.com