By Aoma Keziah,
Strategic Nest Corporation a research-driven communications and public relations firm, has announced the winners of the Strategic Business and Leadership Awards 2025 (SBLA 2025), a program aimed at recognizing outstanding leaders and organizations shaping Africa’s future.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in their headquarters in Nairobi, where the firm stressed that Africa’s real wealth lies in its people. According to the organizers, the awards seek to spotlight individuals and institutions whose impact is felt in communities, economies, and society at large.
Speaking during the launch, Samuel Njari, Strategic Nest Corporation CEO & Head of Secretariat, highlighted that they collect data, which takes probably like six to seven months, but mostly they try to limit it to six months.
“We bring a lot of pools of people together, then, we now narrow down to about a workable number, depending with the different metrics that is used by our company. We majorly depend on what we research about you, not you telling us what you want to hear,” he highlighted.
He further continued to say that they try to limit the nomination process because they believe that at times the nomination process is very corrupted.
“These people who nominate themselves, they do so because they need the award and most of the time that they will lobby, they might look for ways to try and find their way on the winners list. But for us, it’s different because you will never know that you are being celebrated until the list is published,” the SNC CEO explained.
The selection process began in December 2024 and combined in-depth research with input from community voices. From nearly 300 CEOs and more than 360 corporates evaluated, the secretariat submitted finalists to the SNC Board of Directors, which vetted and confirmed the honorees.
“This year’s winners include 20 CEOs, 20 corporates, and 10 recipients of special recognitions. They will be honored at a gala ceremony on November 7 at Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi,” underscored Rogers Kinoti, Head of Research SNC.
CEO winners include Eric Muriuki Njagh of LOOP DFS, recognized for Finance and Banking, Morris Mbetsa of Numeral IOT, awarded in Technology and Innovation, Mwende Musunga of Lancet in Healthcare, Esther Muchemi of Samchi Group in Retail and Consumer Goods, and Wawira Njiru of Food4Education in Social Enterprise and Impact Ventures.
Corporate honorees include I&M Bank (Finance and Banking), Ruai Family Hospital (Healthcare), SafariLink Aviation (Logistics and Transport), Villa Rosa Kempinski (Hospitality), Airtel Kenya (Telecommunications), Vivo Fashion Group (Fashion and Lifestyle), and Glovo (E-Commerce and Digital Platforms).
Special awards went to a diverse group of leaders and creatives. Senator Crystal Asige was recognized for advancing diversity and inclusion, comedian Timothy Kimani (Njugush) was named Creative Entrepreneur of the Year, musician David Mathenge (Nameless) received the Entertainment Legacy Award, and Dr. Jennifer Riria was honored with the Lifetime Achievement in Leadership award. Journalist Jeff Koinange and business leader Rita Kavashe were also among those celebrated.
“The Nest was created as a space to recognize and nurture Africa’s excellence. Recognition builds legacy. It inspires the next generation to dream bigger and lead with purpose,” stated Joy Gitonga, Communication Specialist SNC.
The November gala is expected to bring together business leaders, innovators, and policy makers for an evening that not only celebrates achievement but also reinforces Africa’s growing culture of leadership and excellence.
Mt Kenya Times 
Jerameel Kevins Owuor Odhiambo