Superbrands East Africa on 20 November 2018 marked its fifth Tribute Awards ceremony in Nairobi by recognising 50 leading brands across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The event, held at a Nairobi hotel, also saw the launch of Volume V of the Superbrands book, which profiles the awardees from consumer goods companies to major corporate names operating in the region.
Brands named in the 2017/2018 listing included Britam, Chandaria Industries, Dairyland, Darling, Equity Bank, Fresha, The Kenya Red Cross Society, RMA, Safaricom, Royal Mabati and Sportpesa. The awards covered businesses and institutions in manufacturing, financial services, banking, NGO work, real estate, healthcare, transport, retail, FMCG and betting.
More than 200 chief executives, industry leaders and other guests attended the ceremony. Former Vice President Moody Awori was among the guests of honour, alongside Bidco Africa chief executive Vimal Shah, who was also one of the recipients.
Entertainment for the night included a performance by mentalist Karan Singh, who was flown in from India for the event.
Jawad Jaffar, the Superbrands East Africa project manager, said the region’s brands were operating in a fast-changing market shaped by instant communication, accessibility and wider consumer choice.
“In today’s world we are driven by instant communication, accessibility and abundant choice. The impact that this has on brands is phenomenal. For those that embrace this rapidly evolving landscape, new markets and exponential growth prospects are aplenty.”
He added that the 50 brands being honoured were adapting to change and influencing more than twelve industries.
“I am glad to say that the 50 brands that we pay tribute to are embracing change. You are at the very frontier of your industries, striving to push these new boundaries and innovate. You span more than twelve industries and touch over a hundred million lives. Not only do your brands impact consumers through meaningful products and services but also your commitment to sustainability is profound. This is the power and reach of East Africa’s most relevant brands.”
The 2017/2018 list was arranged alphabetically and included companies and organisations from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Kenya’s list featured Alliance Media, Ando, Apex Steel, Aquasantec, Autoxpress, Bidco Africa, Britam, Chandaria Industries, Dawaat, Dairyland, Darling, Dawa, E-plus Emergency, Easy Coach, Elgon Kenya, Equity Bank, EXE, Executive Health Care, Festive Bread, Fresha, Jogoo, Kaysalt, Ken Tomato, Kenya Red Cross, Landmark Holdings, Mombasa Maize Millers, Nzoia Sugar, Optiven, Pembe, Petrofuel, RMA, Royal Mabati, Safaricom, Sheffield, Sonysugar, Sportpesa, Supa Loaf, The Guardian, The Nairobi Hospital, Tononoka Group, Tuskys and United Millers.
Uganda’s entries were Bank of Baroda and Radio One, while Tanzania’s list included Azam TV, ITV, Mo Dewji Foundation, Petrofuel, Red Gold, The Guardian, Vita Foam (TZ) and Whitedent.
Superbrands said the awardees represented a broad cross-section of East African business and public-interest brands, from FMCG and banking to healthcare and media.
