The Nakuru Governor, Lee Kinyanjui is delighted to have won Africa’s Business Friendly Governor Award, saying that it will go a long way in enforcing key initiatives that his administration has instituted.
The Governor noted that small and medium enterprises play a key role in the economies of most African countries and described the recognition of his efforts by the African Leadership Magazine as a major boost to towards the initiative.
Kinyanjui said that the award was not only a win for him as an individual but also the thousands of Nakuru residents who gave him an opportunity to serve them.
He emerged the winner in the Business-Friendly Governor of the Year Category while David Makhura of South Africa Gauteng Province was the 1st Runner up.
Other Kenyans who scooped top awards included Rebecca Miano, CEO, Kenya Electricity Generating Company who won the African Inspirational Business Leadership Award Category and James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Bank Group who took top honor in the African CEO of the Year Category.
Safaricom Kenya took the top position in the African Company of the year Category.
The editorial board of the African Leadership Magazine unveiled the winners in the 17 categories of the African Business Leadership Awards 2020 from a sharply contested competition that attracted over 220, 000 entries on the website and across social media platforms, as well as submissions via email from Africans across the continent and in Diaspora.
All 17 winners of the African Business Leadership Awards 2020 shall be presented with an award trophy and formally decorated with the instruments of the honour at the 5th US – Africa Investment Forum & Policy Dialogue 2020 (virtual conference), scheduled to be held Via Zoom from September 29th – 30th, 2020. A special Commendation award shall also be presented to the most distinguished runners-up in the various categories.
The Winners went through a 3-step points-based selection process that included a call for nomination; a call for online voting for shortlisted nominees; and the editorial board’s final review of the nominations and voting. The online voting was responsible for sixty-five percentage points while supporting evidence was responsible for 35% in the final selection process.
The winners were unveiled by the Publisher of the Magazine, Dr. Ken Giami, at the UK Head Office of the group after the editorial board reviewed the collated online and offline votes. Also considered were submissions from the Magazine’s over 1 million subscribers and online followers.
While announcing the winners, Dr Giami, noted that Africa depends on businesses and its leaders for sustenance, jobs and wealth creation and especially at this time when there are widespread disruptions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He stressed that now more than ever, African leaders have a great responsibility to not only serve their citizens, but become strong positive references for society on how to thrive amidst uncertainties, and inspire hope in people’s ability to aspire to solve more of the problems facing the African people.
By Jane Ngugi
