5 Female Entrepreneurs Feted at MSME Awards

20 business owners pose for a photo at the MSME Honours Awards held at Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi on July 6, 2023.
Business owners pose for a photo at the MSME Honours Awards held at Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi on July 6, 2023.
Photo
Tally Solutions

Five female entrepreneurs were on Thursday, July 6, recognised for their outstanding contributions in their respective industries at the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Honours Awards by Tally Solutions held at a Nairobi hotel. 

The event attended by James Mureu, the Board Chairman of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), celebrated the accomplishments of 20 exceptional businesses across five distinct categories. 

The categories included; Wonder Woman, Tech Transformer, Business Maestro, Newgen Icon and Champion of Cause. 

In the Wonder Woman category, five women were recognised for their ambition and redefining the market. They include Fridah Wanjohi (Pri-Dianah Transporters and distribution company), Tanya Ireri (Azurri Designs), Jacqueline Karwitha Kithinji (Masedi Limited), Audia Ruto (Home Premier Tea) and Juliet Odhiambo (Pesa Savvy).

During his speech, MSEA chairman Mureu highlighted the government's efforts to address the barriers hindering the rapid development of the MSME sector. 

Chief Guest MSEA Board Chairman James Mureu speaks at the MSME Honours 2023 held at Sarova Stanley Hotel on July 6, 2023.
Chief Guest MSEA Board Chairman James Mureu speaks at the MSME Honours 2023 held at Sarova Stanley Hotel on July 6, 2023.
Photo
Tally Solutions

He emphasised the significance of the Hustler Fund as the government's financial inclusion flagship project. The fund aims to address the persistent issue of restricted availability of affordable and easily accessible credit for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

"As we help businesses to look for a market, the owners have to get the quality products that we support and this can be done through strategic partnerships, cooperation and knowledge sharing. We also have a presence in 200 constituencies where we have set up development centres that seek to support manufacturing at the grassroots level," Mureu stated. 

Additionally, he commended Tally Solutions for organising the event and recognising the awardees who have made valuable contributions to the MSME sector.

Mukesh Khanna, the Head of Strategy and Special Initiatives at Tally Solutions, lauded the entrepreneurs for their contribution to economic advancement. 

"Tally is honoured to recognise the outstanding achievements of these remarkable individuals and organisations through the Tally MSME Honours. Their unwavering commitment, innovative thinking, and dedication to excellence have truly made a significant impact and we commend their accomplishments and hope that their success stories inspire countless others to pursue their dreams with passion and determination," Khanna highlighted.

"Tally remains committed to supporting and celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and professional excellence, and we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of these exceptional individuals and organizations,” he added.

During the event Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) CEO Patrick Nyangweso emphasised the support the chamber is continuously providing for MSMEs to address three key challenges including access to markets, access to affordable credit and capacity building. 

Chief Guest MSEA Board Chairman James Mureu (left) and Mukesh Khanna, Head-Strategy and special initiatives, Tally Solutions, pose for a photo at Sarova Stanley in Nairobi on July 6, 2023.
Chief Guest MSEA Board Chairman James Mureu (left) and Mukesh Khanna, Head-Strategy and special initiatives, Tally Solutions, pose for a photo at Sarova Stanley in Nairobi on July 6, 2023.
Photo
Tally Solutions

Nyangweso encouraged the MSMEs present at the event to sign up as members in order to fully enjoy the advantages that come with membership.

The MSME Honours is an annual event, hosted by Tally Solutions. The event recognises MSME enterprises in the region. 

Here is the full list of the winners: 

Wonder Woman Category

Fridah Wanjohi - Pri-Dianah Transporters and Distribution Company

Tanya Ireri - Azurri Designs

Jacquiline Karwitha Kithinji - Masedi Limited

Audia Ruto - Home premier Tea

Juliet Odhiambo - Pesa Savvy

Tech Transformers 

Boniface Maina - Plannettech Investors Ltd

Maryanne Gichanga - Agritech Analytics

Raj Shetty - ERP Business-Sys

Joseph Maingi - Farmiken

Business Maestro

Mbugua Kariithi - Unique Roofing Solutions Ltd

Kagwiria Ibui - Taurus Packaging Ltd

Hassan Taib - Mercantile Cargo Terminal Operation Limited

Champion of Cause

Samuel Muraya - Leofresh

Alex Polycap Onyango - Go Green Hub

John Ngacha - Irrifarm technologies

NewGen Icon Winners

Anthony Murigu - Ukulima Kisasa Market

Rebecca Kagendo - Tikiti Foods

Peter Muchemi – FaidiHR

Kenneth Gichuhi - Ultramedway solutions

Elvine Lewis Njoroge - KilimoGram