The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry in partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, IPSOS, Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC), HomeBoys, Kenya Commercial Bank, Nation Media Group among others will this December award outstanding small and medium enterprises in the first national business awards in the country.

The awards to be held on December 3rd at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) will target businesses that have performed well in various areas including: demonstrating quality customer care, have a positive social impact to the community as well as a company that has engaging human resource and has taken deliberate steps to remove barriers thus improve the working experience. Further, the awards will recognize companies with an innovative approach that has transformed the enterprise and community they operate in including implementation of e-commerce, use of online marketing and social media adoption.

Moreover, the awards will also evaluate large corporates and their relations with small and medium enterprises including institutions that have custom made products targeting this segment. Other metrics include businesses run by youth and women, corporate social responsibility and integration with the government vision including the Big 4 Agenda.

Speaking during the launch Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives Dr. Chris Kiptoo in a speech read by Deputy Director of Trade Redempta Oyeyo said the government continues to come up with policies that will create a conducive environment for the business community especially SMEs to thrive in.

“As a Ministry we have taken a deliberate decision to give SMEs a competitive edge in the market through ensuring those in manufacturing getting access to cheaper electricity tariffs while those who require markets we have been constructing a 5000 square foot SME hub at the Jamhuri grounds that will allow them to showcase their products all year round. Further, we are working with the Chamber to open up markets abroad and we have several trade missions in 2019 to Russia, Belarus, and France,” said PS Kiptoo.

Speaking at the same occasion Chamber President Richard Ngatia said the Chamber recognizes the important role played by SMEs in the economy including employment creation and contribution to GDP hence the decision to fete such companies through the awards.

“I am glad that the industrious business community in Kenya finally has a chance to be recognized and Kenyans will be able to put a face to the success of our economy. The Kenyan private sector is very robust and resilient thus this recognition we hope will further rejuvenate this commitment and success,” said Chamber President Richard Ngatia.

He added that only through nurturing of SMEs can the country have indigenous large corporates that can play a greater role in improving the country’s economy.

On his part, IPSOS Managing Director Aggrey Oriwo said the partnership with the various partners both in the public and private sector guarantees a high level of quality and credibility setting it aside from the many similar awards.

“Ipsos is here to ensure that this process is credible and above board, taking into consideration all stakeholders. We guarantee a rigorous and robust process with strict adherence to a high level of quality control checks. Ipsos will work in collaboration with a professional and experienced judging panel for selection of winners. After the judging exercise, we will use the data to generate a report that will guide the Chamber to craft programs that will ensure the success of SMEs in Kenya.” Aggrey Oriwo, MD, Ipsos.

Following the launch of the awards, companies can now proceed to nomination after which all nominees will be taken through a judging process with the awards slated for 3rd December at a gala dinner to be held the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).