The cooperative sector in Kenya earned top recognition at the 2025 Strategic Business & Leadership Awards (SBLA) when Stima DT Sacco was named Corporate of the Year in the SACCOs and Microfinance Institutions category.
By winning the coveted award, Stima DT Sacco reaffirmed its place among Kenya’s most dynamic financial cooperatives. Organizers praised it as “a beacon of excellence and impact,” pointing to its success in providing affordable credit, reliable savings platforms and wealth creation opportunities for thousands of members.
Adding to the cooperative sector’s pride, Kenneth Odhiambo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mwalimu National Sacco), was named CEO of the Year in the Saccos and Microfinance category. His leadership has been central to the Sacco’s growth as the country’s largest teachers’ Sacco. The award jury commended his visionary leadership and his contribution to financial inclusion across the country.
SBL awards also highlighted outstanding corporates across different sectors. I&M Bank Limited was recognized as Corporate of the Year in Finance and Banking, while Airtel Kenya took top honors in Telecommunications.
In agriculture, Syngenta Kenya won for Agriculture and Agribusiness category, whereas Britam Insurance was celebrated for excellence in Insurance and Risk Management.
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Safarilink Aviation Limited carried the flag for Logistics and Transport, and Mombasa Maize Millers Limited earned recognition in Manufacturing and Industry. In the digital economy, Glovo was named Corporate of the Year in E-Commerce and Digital Platforms.
The awards also spotlighted transformative leadership across industries. Eric Muriuki Njagi, Group Director of Digital Business at NCBA Group, was named CEO of the Year in Finance and Banking. Morris Mbetsa, founder of Numeral Internet of Things (Numeral IOT), took the top prize in Technology and Innovation. In healthcare, Mwende Musunga of Lancet Group of Laboratories East Africa was honored for steering one of the region’s most trusted medical testing companies.
In the social impact space, Wawira Njiru, founder of Food4Education (F4E), was celebrated as CEO of the Year in Social Enterprise and Impact Ventures. She was recognized for her pioneering work in providing affordable meals to school children. Meanwhile, Abraham Mbuthia, CEO of UZA Point, won the Fintech and Mobile Solutions award for driving mobile-based financial access to small businesses.
The awards also embraced creativity and sustainability. Catherine Mayefe of African Design and Fabrics was recognized in Fashion and Lifestyle, while Joseph Rehmann, CEO of Victory Farms, stood out in Agriculture and Agribusiness for his leadership in sustainable aquaculture.
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These diverse winners underscored the role of Kenyan corporates and leaders in driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation. Collectively, they reflect the breadth of industries shaping the country’s development agenda.
The winners will be officially feted at a gala night scheduled for November 7, 2025, at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi. The event will bring together industry captains, policymakers and innovators to celebrate excellence, network and set new benchmarks for corporate leadership in Kenya.
The annual awards, organized by the Strategic Nest Corporation (SNC), celebrate institutions and leaders that have demonstrated innovation, measurable impact and excellence in their fields. This year’s ceremony in Nairobi attracted top corporates, financial institutions and industry leaders whose work continues to shape Kenya’s economy and society.
The SBLA 2025 Awards not only recognized past achievements but also set the stage for future growth. For Stima DT SACCO and Mwalimu National SACCO, the honors represent both a celebration of excellence and a call to continue shaping the future of cooperative finance in Kenya.
By Benedict Aoya
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