Kenya Hosts Successful 9th Edition of Pacesetters International Awards Celebrating Innovation and Corporate Excellence

Kenya took center stage as the proud host of the 9th edition of the prestigious Pacesetters International Awards (PIA) gala dinner held on 12th September 2025 in Nairobi. The event brought together Africa’s most exceptional SMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to honor outstanding contributions to innovation, leadership, sustainability, and societal development.

Organized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA) through Pacesetters International Research and Consultancy Ltd in partnership with the United SMEs Association of Kenya, the awards night celebrated trailblazing businesses and professionals who have set new benchmarks in their industries. The high-profile event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and vibrant networking sessions, providing a rich platform for connecting market leaders and inspiring collaboration.

Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa, remarked, “This year’s Pacesetters Awards highlighted extraordinary businesses driving Africa’s SME sector forward   especially those excelling in Corporate Social Responsibility and leveraging technology for innovation. The shortlisted companies demonstrated remarkable growth, resilience, and impact that are transforming the continent’s economy and society.”

Among the distinguished winners and honorees were established firms such as Safaricom, Nation Media Group, and Kevian Kenya Ltd, alongside promising new entrants including Username Properties Limited, Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Synina Properties, and Texas Cancer Centre. Username Properties Limited was recognized as the Trusted Leading Real Estate Company in Kenya, with CEO Sarah Wahogo affirming, “This award reflects the trust our clients have in us and inspires us to continue shaping Kenya’s real estate industry.”

The 2025 edition reinforced the awards’ reputation as an influential barometer of excellence, with a rigorous vetting process that included public voting, industry research, and expert panel reviews. Winners were selected based on their innovation, leadership, sustainable practices, and economic contributions, underscoring the high standards the Pacesetters Awards uphold.

The event also served as a premier forum for thought leadership, with industry experts engaging attendees on themes such as digital transformation, sustainable business models, economic resilience, and the role of technology in Africa’s growth trajectory. Entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and professionals leveraged the opportunity for strategic networking and exploring scalable partnerships.

Jared Oundo called on the Kenyan government to enhance the ease of doing business by implementing SME-friendly policies, particularly those that facilitate affordable credit access and strengthen financial services supporting MSMEs.

Jubilant Stewards of Africa extends gratitude to all partners, nominees, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2025 Pacesetters International Awards a remarkable success. The organization remains committed to fostering industry leadership, innovation, and transformative development across Africa’s vibrant SME sector.