The journey to recognizing Kenya’s most innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is in its final stage! The 2nd Edition of the KEPSA SME Innovation Challenge Excellence Awards is now in the public voting phase, and voting will close soon. 

Organized by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the awards seek to recognize and celebrate SMEs that are pioneering market expansion through innovation. The 2025 award categories include:

• Rising Star in Digital Trade  
• Cross-Border Trade Innovation Awards 
• Logistics and Distribution Innovation Awards 
• Tech Start-ups Innovation Awards 
• Market Intelligence Innovation Awards 
• Best Overall Market Expansion Innovation Awards 

The voting phase marks a significant milestone in the awards process. Participants have undergone a rigorous journey that began with the call for submissions in February, which attracted 191 entries. These entries were carefully screened and evaluated using quantitative metrics such as market impact, scalability, and economic contribution. A diverse panel of judges then reviewed pitch presentations from the top ten SMEs in each of the six award categories. Following this process, 30 finalists were selected during the pitching sessions held on May 8th and 9th, 2025. These finalists have now advanced to the public voting stage. A diverse panel of judges then reviewed the shortlisted submissions and selected 30 finalists, who have now advanced to the public voting stage. 

The winners will be announced at the KEPSA Annual SME Conference, Awards, and Exhibition, scheduled for June 26–27, 2025. 

The finalists for this year’s SME Innovation Challenge Excellence Awards are: 

Rising Female Star in Digital Trade 

• Precious Manyara – Tiara Fashions 

A fashion brand that has developed an e-commerce platform to sell its products and allows other vendors to list theirs. 

• Abigael Rop – Board Games, Cards and Toys Kenya 

Developer of Eco-Quest, an innovative educational board game that raises awareness on climate conservation. 

• Jacqueline Wothaya – Kay’s Wellness Centre 

Offers in-person and telemedicine services, community wellness programs, and digital engagement for personalized health plans. 

• Mary Wanjiru – Maryann Furniture Kenya 

Leverages social media and e-commerce to source raw materials and clients for custom-made furniture. 

• Mary Muthoni – Muskat Groceries 

Uses TikTok and WhatsApp to sell fresh fruits and vegetables while educating consumers on their nutritional benefits. 

Rising Male Star in Digital Trade 

• Peter Kironji – Twiva Media Group 

A social commerce platform connecting brands with content creators who market and sell on their behalf. 

• Kelvin Mulama – MamaPesa 

A digital mobile platform that empowers women-owned businesses in Kenya to participate in digital trade. 

• Christopher Ogada – Netlet 

A peer-to-peer bandwidth marketplace that transforms unused internet capacity into a monetizable asset. 

• Richard Kinyua – Innosync Solutions Ltd 

Developer of an online electronic voting system replacing paper ballots with SMS OTP and ID verification for secure, transparent elections. 

• David Engoke – Stock Plug 

A livestock marketplace using WhatsApp chatbot technology to streamline buying, selling, and transport of livestock. 

Logistics and Distributions Innovation Award 

• Beba Beggie 

A tech startup providing secure, rentable short-term storage to support last-mile delivery for retail and e-commerce businesses. 

• Fastline Express 

A premier logistics company offering freight forwarding, air freight, sea freight, and road freight services. 

• Ecomobilus Technologies 

Developers of Emkoko, a solar-powered electric cart for light cargo transport in urban and rural areas. 

• Zendawa 

An AI-powered platform enabling neighborhood pharmacies to sell online while optimizing inventory and access to credit. 

• Config Kenya 

A platform connecting FMCG suppliers with independent sales agents for commission-based sales, offering seamless purchases, flexible fulfillment, and real-time tracking. 

Cross-Border Innovation Award 

• Lawy Afrik Foundation 

Connects African artisans to global markets through digital trade and cultural branding, ensuring fair earnings and sustainable production. 

• Alisam Product Development and Design Ltd 

Uses digital platforms and data analytics powered by AI and machine learning to identify and target key market segments. 

• LeafyLife 

Operates a C-Loop circular economy platform using IoT-enabled smart bins, a rewards-based app, and blockchain to connect diaper waste to recycling facilities and industrial buyers. 

• Wingi 

A B2B supply chain platform simplifying cross-border procurement for African businesses. 

• Empire Innovation – Kibarani Venture 

Enhances market access through farmer-centered distribution by training farmers, partnering with agro-dealers, and providing affordable, locally made clean energy machines. 

Tech Start-up Market Intelligence Award 

• Ohospital 

Focused on digitalizing healthcare access, enabling providers to offer services online, especially in rural areas. 

• Ngeli Foods 

Developers of a honey traceability system leveraging QR codes and digital records to ensure real-time tracking from farm to consumer. 

• CXsphere Africa 

Provides AI-powered customer engagement solutions that transform how e-commerce businesses interact with consumers. 

• Customized Aviation Solutions Ltd 

A pioneer in modern aerial survey and geospatial data solutions. 

• Residence Technologies 

Developed a smart addressing system that reduces failed deliveries and enhances cost-effective logistics. 

Best Overall Market Expansion Innovation Award 

• Green at Mind 

Designed a multifunctional stove that combines a desk, cupboard, and cookstove—enhancing access to improved cooking solutions. 

• Lakegen Enterprises Ltd 

Promotes safe, sustainable alternatives to traditional fuels to protect the environment. 

• Patanisha 

A digital platform bridging the gap between service providers and clients, job seekers and recruiters. 

• Intrasoft Technologies Ltd 

Provides cloud-based, mobile-enabled software solutions to help financial service providers streamline operations and expand market reach. 

• Deed Technologies 

Developed an end-to-end remanufacturing process delivering affordable, certified computing devices that unlock access to technology and generate cost savings. 

How to Vote 
Vote for your favorite nominee via: 

USSD: *702*50# 

Website: https://evopolls.com/polls/kepsasmeawards