The government has been urged to formulate SME-focused policy reforms inorder to ease the cost of doing business in Kenya ahead of globally recognized event set to award pacesetters in business and corporate spheres
Speaking to the press in Nairobi, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa Jared Oundo emphasized the need for initiatives that
unlock MSME potential, particularly through facilitating access to affordable credit and boosting the financial services sector to support growth.
He was speaking when he unveiled the nominees of the 9th edition of the prestigious Pacesetters International Awards set to recognize innovation and entrepreneurship.
Nairobi will be a beehive of activities of activities on the 12th of September 2025 after Kenya was picked to host the awards gala.
This globally recognized event celebrates exceptional SMEs and startups from across Africa, spotlighting their groundbreaking contributions to leadership, sustainability, and societal development.
The awards gala is organized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA) through Pacesetters International Research and Consultancy Ltd, in partnership with the United SMEs Association of Kenya, and offers a unique platform for recognizing trailblazing businesses and professionals.
Jared revealed that winners will be announced on 12th September 2025, at a spectacular ceremony in Nairobi which will keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, making it an unmissable event for those eager to connect with market leaders.
“This year’s Awards will highlight the extraordinary businesses driving Africa’s SME sector. The shortlisted companies have set new standards in innovation and sustainability, proving that SMEs are the engine of our economy. We look forward to celebrating these successes at the awards ceremony in June,” said Jared Oundo,
“The Pacesetters International Awards serves as the benchmark for excellence in the SME sector, recognizing businesses that have excelled in key areas such as leadership, sustainability, customer service, innovation, and overall performance.
In addition to the prestigious Winner’s Trophy, awards will also honor companies that have demonstrated remarkable growth, resilience, and impact over the past year.
Special recognition will be given to startups that have made significant strides in innovation and industry influence, as well as SMEs that have leveraged technology to scale their operations.
Oundo also pointed out that companies excelling in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and those utilizing technology to drive innovation would likely stand out in this year’s awards. Some notable firms that have been recognized in the awards include Telecommunication giant
Safaricom, Kevian Kenya Ltd, Ena Coach, digital lender Little Pesa, City Walk Ltd, Seneka Security, Nation Media group,Insight Security Limited Tanzania, RWK Africa, MySpace Properties Limited, Babs Security, Brighter Monday, Robisearch Ltd, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye
Hospital, The University of Nairobi, and SUN FM & TV Zambia.
According to the sources privy to the awards nominees list; new entrants The 2025 edition of PIA awards include; Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, TV 47, Radio 47 of Cape Media, Shian Tours & Travels Ltd.
Top CEOs such as Paul Russo, EBS – CEO of KCB Group PLC, media personalities Radio Presenter Mwalimu Mbaruk Radio 47, Journalists Jeff Koinange Hot 96 FM & Citizen TV, Radio Maisha Esther Kerong, Zubeidah Kananu President kenya editors Guild, Show Host,
News Anchor at Ktn News, Tina Ogal Radio Head of the Year (Citizen Radio), Yvonne Okwara Citizen TV, James Smart of NTV, Aby Agina Senior Anchor & Producer at CNBC Africa , Melissa Auma Oluoko Hope FM of Hope FM and Trevor Ombija, celebrities Churchill
Ndambuki & Erick Omondi.
“We are excited about the event, as this recognition highlights our dedication, and we look forward to engaging with industry leaders to share insights and collaborate on innovative healthcare solutions for the future,” said Dr. Anandh Ramanathan, Vice President of Dr.
Agarwal’s Eye Hospital based in Westlands Nairobi, during a visit from the JSA’s boss to their offices.
The Pacesetter International Awards (PIA) is an Industry leadership Recognition survey initiated by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), a Non-Governmental Organization, to celebrate industry leaders for their innovation, quality products, services, job creation, leadership by example, growing the economy and transforming the society.