- The awards recognize businesses that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as community impact, environmental sustainability, and the innovative use of technology.
- The annual event, now in its third year, shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond.
Image: HANDOUT
In addition to recognizing individual achievements, the CEO said the Kayana Female MSME Awards also highlight the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving business success.
"Kayana Create aims to provide women entrepreneurs with the support, resources, and recognition they need to thrive in today's competitive business landscape," he said.
Okello said the Kayana Female MSME Awards represent a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.
"Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of global business, constituting 90 per cent of businesses worldwide. In Kenya, these enterprises play a pivotal role, contributing approximately 40% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)," Okello noted.
"Moreover, SMEs represent a staggering 98 per cent of all businesses in the country, generating 30 per cent of new jobs annually. Gender dynamics within Kenya's SME landscape reveal a nuanced picture."
Of the SMEs in Kenya, Okello said 31.4 per cent are female-owned, while 48 per cent are male-owned, with the remaining 17 per cent co-owned by both genders.
He said women lead 61 per cent of unlicensed SMEs thus highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit despite facing hurdles such as regulatory compliance challenges.
The CEO said access to startup capital remains a significant obstacle for women-led SMEs due to stringent collateral requirements imposed by financial institutions, further compounded by a lack of necessary entrepreneurial skills.
The public voting phase for the 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards is now open hence members of the community can show their support for their favourite nominees.
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony scheduled for June 15, 2024, where they will receive recognition for their contributions to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment
Image: HANDOUT
Kayana Create, a platform dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, has announced nominees for the prestigious 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards.
The annual event, now in its third year, shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond.
With over 1000 nominations received across nine different categories, the awards recognize businesses that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as community impact, environmental sustainability, and the innovative use of technology.
"We are thrilled to honour the outstanding contributions of women entrepreneurs through the 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards," said Patricia Okelo, Founder and CEO of Kayana Create.
"These awards not only celebrate the accomplishments of individual businesses but also highlight the collective strength and resilience of women in business, driving positive change and innovation across various sectors."
The awards, formerly known as the D.E.A.R MSME Awards, aim to celebrate women's innovation, resilience, and leadership in driving economic growth and social impact.
Among this year's nominees are pioneering businesses such as MRX Media Limited, Spectrum Engineering, and Essenpark Limited.
From fostering community cohesion to promoting environmental sustainability, Okello said these businesses represent the diverse and impactful work being done by women entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond.