Stephen Berenge from Nambale Sub-county has scooped Busia Businessman of the Year Award during the second ceremony held at Hotel Itoya on Thursday evening.
The ceremony that was graced by Siaya Deputy Governor, Dr James Okumbe, saw a total of 21 entrepreneurs honoured in various categories. It was organized by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Busia Chapter.
The winner in his acceptance speech, said he was humbled for the honour bestowed on him and thanked God for bringing him that far.
“When I first opened a pork butchery, my friends teased me that my business is not self-sustaining, unless I started rearing my own pigs. That motivated me as the number of pigs I was rearing hit 113 mark in less than a year, Mr Berenge said.
“With KNCCI as my guarantor, Equity Bank offered me a loan that enabled me purchase the first matatu, second, third and fourth. I also own a pork butchery in Malaba, Tanga Kona and other markets,” he added.
The Partnership Governorship Award went to Kisumu Governor, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, that was received on his behalf by Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) Chief of Staff and Deputy CEO, Dr Hudson Ogubi.
KNCCI Busia Chapter was voted the best Chamber Chapter of the Year for its resilience in organising the 2015 Busia International Investment Conference (BIICO) that saw the influx of many investors into the country.
This culminated in the construction of Busia Sugar Industry Limited at Busibwabo that scooped the Investor of the Year Award. The Company was credited with creating hundreds of job opportunities for unemployed youth.
Wonder ‘B’ emerged the best in the supermarkets category, the proprietor having risen from a hawker to expand his business empire to cover Western region which was described as no mean achievement.
The local Manufacturer of the Year Award went to ‘F’ Guards Limited with Lesfay Investors from Matayos taking home the Distributor of the Year Award. The Retailer of the Year Award went to Peshmatt from Bumala.
Hardware of the Year Award went to Baraka Hardware that is located within Mlango Kumi area along Busia-Kisumu area.
Bumbe Technical emerged the Education Institute of the Year with Rev. Herman Kasili, presenting the Award. Transport Sacco of the Year was won by Bungoma Line.
Hotelier of the Year Award went to Hotel Breeze in Busia Town with Hotel Suddex in Amagoro, Teso North scooping the Runners-Up prize. The Aquaculture Award went to Hydro Victoria Fish while the Agribusiness category went to Creamy Way Enterprises.
Akukuranut Development Trust from Adungosi in Chakol South Ward received the Agri-Apiculture of the Year Award while former Busia County Health and Sanitation Executive, Dr Maurice Siminyu, won in Agri-business and Aquaculture category.
The Youth Business of the Year category winner went to contractor, Jimmy Anyango, who was credited for motivating the youths to come out of their cocoons to venture into businesses they possess comparative advantage.
Francis Funeral Home won the Women in Business Award for honouring the departed ones, which is a rare gesture among women who are known to cry hard when they lose their beloved ones.
KCB emerged the Financial Institution of the Year (MSME) category with Stanbic scooping the Partnership Bank of the year.
By Salome Alwanda and Absalom Namwalo
