Leading African institutions, businesses and professionals have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership, service delivery and socio-economic development at the 2026 Pacesetters International Awards (PIA).

The prestigious Pan-African awards ceremony was held on October 30, 2026, at Weston Hotel in Nairobi, bringing together influential personalities from government, business, academia, diplomacy and the development sector.

The awards, initiated by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA), a public-based organisation, seek to celebrate institutions and individuals whose work is transforming industries, creating employment opportunities and improving livelihoods across Africa.

Among the notable Kenyan institutions recognised were Umma University, The Eldoret National Polytechnic, The Mawego National Polytechnic, The Siaya National Polytechnic, The Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Mwea Technical and Vocational College, Gatundu South Technical and Vocational College, The Butula National Polytechnic and the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE).

Other awardees included NCBA Bank Kenya, Comfort Homes, Optiven Group, Together As One Microfinance, Salihiya Cargo and Shipping Agency, Robisearch Ltd Group, Vecarian Plant Limited, YY Coaches of Uganda, Tembo Steels Uganda Limited, Insight Security Limited Tanzania and Utu Cars Africa Tanzania, among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, JSA Executive Director Dr Jared Oundo said the awards were designed to recognise organisations and professionals whose leadership, innovation and resilience were making a meaningful difference in society.

Dr Oundo noted that celebrating excellence was essential in strengthening African institutions, promoting accountability and inspiring the next generation of business and public sector leaders.

"The Pacesetters International Awards celebrate organisations and individuals whose leadership, innovation and resilience are creating meaningful change across Africa. By recognising excellence, we encourage higher standards of performance, strengthen institutional credibility and inspire the next generation of business and public sector leaders. These awards are not only a celebration of achievement—they are an investment in Africa's future," he said.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Dr Jane Gitau, Chief Principal of The Nyandarua National Polytechnic, who was named Chief Principal of the Year, emerging as the overall winner in the individual category among principals of national polytechnics.

Umma University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Research and Student Affairs, Dr Abdalla Ali Ibrahim, welcomed the recognition, describing it as an endorsement of the institution's commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community transformation.

"We are deeply honoured to be named among this year's Pacesetters International Awards. This recognition is a powerful testament to our enduring commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and driving meaningful impact for our students, partners, and communities throughout Kenya," he said.

Comfort Homes Chief Executive Officer Dr Hezekiah Kariuki also said the recognition reflected the company's commitment to providing affordable, innovative and modern real estate solutions that support sustainable economic growth and social transformation.

The awards also recognised several other prominent professionals and public leaders, including Dr George Wachiuri, CEO of Optiven Group; Dr Norman Kiagora, Director of KISE; Mr Muturi Patrick Ndiba, Chief Principal of Gatundu South TVC; Thomas Steven Osaso, Managing Director and CEO of Insight Security Limited Tanzania; and Dr Joyce Mwikali.

Other individual awardees included Tabitha Jesee, Magdalene Murugi Kabiru, Dr Agarwal of Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Hon. Agnes Wanjiku Wachira, Hon. Patrick Munene Ntwiga, Hon. Peter Ochieng Orero, Hon. Martha Wangari and Hon. Didmus Wekesa Barasa.

The 2026 edition attracted awardees from at least 18 African countries, reflecting the growing influence of the awards as a continental platform for celebrating institutional excellence and professional achievement.

The recognised organisations represented diverse sectors, including banking and financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, education, agribusiness, information and communication technology, transport, logistics, engineering, renewable energy, hospitality, real estate, media and public service.

According to the organisers, unlike conventional awards that primarily consider financial performance, PIA places emphasis on economic and social impact, ethical leadership, quality service, job creation, customer satisfaction and contributions to community development.

The selection process involves public voting, benchmarking, independent appraisal and evaluation by a panel of judges. Assessors consider governance, leadership, innovation, sustainability, corporate social responsibility and measurable organisational performance.

This year's ceremony was held under the theme, "Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Innovation and Transforming Africa," and also provided an opportunity for strategic networking, investment discussions, knowledge sharing and partnerships between public and private sector players.

The awards featured established financial institutions such as Tanzania's CRDB Bank Plc, Atwima Kwanwoma Rural Bank PLC of Ghana and Kenya's NCBA Bank, which were recognised alongside other organisations for their contributions to financial inclusion and regional economic development.

JSA noted that the diversity of the awardees demonstrated the resilience and growing competitiveness of African enterprises and institutions, which continue to set new standards in innovation, service delivery and responsible leadership.

Over the years, the Pacesetters International Awards have recognised hundreds of organisations and professionals across the continent. Previous recipients include Safaricom PLC, Nation Media Group, Kevian Kenya Limited, Zoho Corporation, Tala, Ena Coach, Jambo Freight Tanzania and Mwananchi Credit.

The organisers said the continued participation of established institutions and emerging enterprises was strengthening the awards' reputation as a platform for promoting excellence, fostering partnerships and celebrating Africa's socio-economic transformation.