Introduction
Founded on the principle of honoring exceptional entrepreneurship, the Founder Of The Year (FOYA) Eastern Africa Awards has emerged as a prestigious platform recognizing and celebrating the contributions of outstanding entrepreneurs in Eastern Africa. The FOYA Awards aim to spotlight innovative leaders who drive economic growth, inspire communities, and create sustainable business solutions. Since its inception, FOYA has championed the spirit of entrepreneurship, empowering individuals to transform their visionary ideas into impactful enterprises.
This Year's Event: A Night of Elegance and Inspiration
The FOYA Eastern Africa Awards 2024 was a grand celebration held on July 26th, 2024, at the Simba Corp Aspire Centre. This year's all-white gala was a captivating evening that brought together nominees, industry leaders, and supporters to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The theme for this year's awards was 'EVOLVE,' signifying the transformative journey of adaptation, growth, and advancement that defines the entrepreneurial spirit in Eastern Africa.
Embracing the Spirit of 'EVOLVE'
The theme 'EVOLVE' goes beyond merely keeping up with change; it embodies the essence of leadership in driving change. It marks FOYA's evolution from a mere awards platform to a catalyst for Africa's entrepreneurial revolution. The theme encourages young entrepreneurs to lead Africa's progress towards prosperity through innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement. It challenges entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, push beyond boundaries, and catalyze sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Highlights from the Night
The awards ceremony was filled with inspiring speeches, electrifying performances, and moments of recognition for the extraordinary achievements of the nominees. Industry leaders shared their insights on the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and fostering social impact. The event also provided a platform for networking, allowing entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors, mentors, and key industry players.
Honoring the Winners: Celebrating Excellence Across Categories
The FOYA Eastern Africa Awards 2024 recognized entrepreneurs across various categories, highlighting their exceptional contributions to their respective fields. Here are the top three finalists in each category:
Founder Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Nicholas Katushabe (Uganda)
- 1st Runner Up: Catherine Kabarangira (Uganda)
- 2nd Runner Up: Trizah Kainika (Kenya)
Founder Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Silvester Akoko (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Antony Mutonga (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Benaiah Wepundi (Kenya)
Social Founder Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Patricia Orawo (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: James Gachiri (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Athanas Mwachia (Kenya)
Social Founder Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Doris Kathia (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Enock Isack (Tanzania)
- 2nd Runner Up: Evans Kimathi (Kenya)
Techpreneur Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Linet Kinyua (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Alexander Karimi (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Khalila Mbowe (Tanzania)
Techpreneur Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Othniel Nzoka (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Ngeno Victor (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Felix Ntirubaza (Tanzania)
Fashionpreneur Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Esther Murigi (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Cecilia Okoth (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Dorothy Mhina (Tanzania)
Fashionpreneur Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Frida Odunga (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Hani Sheikh (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Happiness Mtatiro (Tanzania)
Most Promising Founder Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Kipngeno Mutai (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Moses Tito Omondi (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Frank Njiiri (Kenya)
Most Promising Founder Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Shannon Kodhek (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Silvester Akoko (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Natasha K. Webuye (Kenya)
Agripreneur Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Adams Gina (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Adolf William (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Paul Mihango (Kenya)
Agripreneur Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Victor Murei (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Nsimire Aston (Uganda)
- 2nd Runner Up: Elijah Murimi (Kenya)
Realtor Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Emmanuel Masiwa Oigo (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Tabitha Kanyingi (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Cornel Mboya (Kenya)
Realtor Of The Year (Under 30)
- No winners
Edupreneur Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Ogweyo Ogalo (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Arva Jivanjee (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Ngojea Kitinusa (Tanzania)
Edupreneur Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Josphat Nyota (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Tom Charles (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Justus Memusi Kishoyian (Kenya)
Hospitality Founder Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Muhammad Ali (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Jacob Isaac Luwo (Uganda)
- 2nd Runner Up: Paul Kahindo (Kenya)
Hospitality Founder Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Swalehe Swalehe (Tanzania)
- 1st Runner Up: Vincent Opole (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Owino Anam (Kenya)
Healthpreneur Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Isaac Mulwa (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Sayyeda Bhimji - Karim (Tanzania)
- 2nd Runner Up: Benson Chuma (Kenya)
Healthpreneur Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Mustaqim Quadir (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Gacheri Riungu (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Brian George Lwakatare (Tanzania)
Entertainment Founder Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Sammy Atanus (Sm Onthebeat) (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Wycliffe Choreh (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Johnson Mbugua (Kenya)
Entertainment Founder Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Stephen Otieno (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Daniel Kabii (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Dedan Mwai (Kenya)
Mediapreneur Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Hildah Wellah (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Charles Sisia (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Justus Nandwa (Kenya)
Mediapreneur Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Neddy Kutsuru (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Leen Nyawira (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Andrew Katepa (Tanzania)
Manufacturing Founder Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Brian Muthomi (Kenya)
Manufacturing Founder Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Kenton Mutethia Muthaura (Kenya)
- 1st Runner Up: Babirye Angella (Uganda)
Retail Founder Of The Year (Over 30)
- Winner: Erick Juma (Kenya)
Retail Founder Of The Year (Under 30)
- Winner: Egbetus Kaiza (Tanzania)
- 1st Runner Up: John Sane Olemwaka (Kenya)
- 2nd Runner Up: Mathew Toroitich (Kenya)
The Future of Entrepreneurship in Eastern Africa
The FOYA Eastern Africa Awards 2024 not only celebrated the achievements of these exceptional entrepreneurs but also highlighted the immense potential and promise of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Eastern Africa. By fostering innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement, these entrepreneurs are poised to drive significant economic growth and social impact in the region. The FOYA Awards continue to inspire and support entrepreneurs, encouraging them to evolve and lead Africa's progress towards a prosperous and sustainable future.