Theme: Driving Growth through Innovation: Advancing market access and expansion 

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) is proud to announce the 2nd Edition of the Innovation Challenge Excellence Awards, a flagship initiative recognizing and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are pioneering market expansion through innovation. Building on the success of the inaugural SME Innovation Excellence Awards held on August 23, 2024, at KICD, Nairobi, which brought together over 800 participants, the 2nd Edition of the Innovation Challenge Excellence Awards continues to spotlight groundbreaking innovations. The first edition recognized SMEs across several categories, including the Best Overall Business Innovation Award, the Best Women-led Business Innovation Award, and the Best Youth-led Business Innovation Award. A total of Kshs. 0.9 Million was awarded to the winners as a small seed capital to support their innovative solutions, alongside 9 trophies and 9 certificates. 

With cash awards totaling Kshs. 1.55 million and post-award technical support, the competition provides a platform for SMEs to scale their innovations, improve market access, and contribute to Kenya’s economic development. 

Submit your Application Here

Why It Matters 

Kenya’s innovation ecosystem continues to gain recognition, with the country improving its ranking in global innovation indices. SMEs play a vital role in driving industrialization, contributing over 33% to the national GDP and employing millions. The Innovation Excellence Challenge aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 and the Kenya 10-Year Innovation Master Plan, fostering sustainable solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and global competitiveness. 

Objectives of the Awards 

• Identify and Support Innovators: Recognize SMEs that have successfully integrated new methodologies, products, or services to address market access challenges. 
• Enhance Competitiveness: Enable businesses to measure and improve their level of innovation, driving higher revenues and market share. 
• Boost Market Access: Support solutions that help SMEs overcome barriers to entry, thereby expanding their domestic and international customer base. 
• Drive Economic Growth: Strengthen Kenya’s innovation ecosystem by fostering creativity that leads to measurable business impact. 

Who Can Apply? 

The awards are open to Kenyan SMEs that: 

• Size & Turnover: Employ between 1 and 250 staff with an annual turnover of up to Kshs. 100 million. 
• Innovation Impact: Have introduced innovations that lead to increased revenue, job creation, growth in customer numbers, expansion in new territories, or broader social impact. 
• Sector Focus: Operate in key sectors such as Agriculture, ICT, Healthcare, Retail Trade, and Creative/Handmade Manufacturing (other sectors are welcome to apply). 
• For The Rising Star in Digital Trade Category: Applicants must be Kenyan-led youth (aged 18–35) who have developed their own digital solutions rather than relying on third-party platforms. 

Award Categories 

1. Rising Female Star in Digital Trade 
2. Rising Male Star in Digital Trade 
3. Cross-Border Innovation Award 
4. Logistics & Distribution Innovation Award 
5. Tech Start-Up Market Intelligence Innovation Award 
6. Best Overall Market Expansion Innovation Award 

The Process 

1. Sensitization Innovation webinar: An online info and sensitization webinar on 26th February 2025 to share insights from ecosystem players. 
2. Application & Screening: Participants submit applications showcasing their innovative solutions. 
3. Shortlisting: An internal evaluation team will assess submissions based on quantitative metrics such as market impact, scalability, and economic contribution. 
4. Judging: A diverse panel of experts—including entrepreneurs, government representatives, investors, and industry leaders—will conduct interviews and assessments. 
5. Public Voting: Finalists will be subject to public voting. 
6. Award Ceremony & Post-Award Support: Winners will be announced at the KEPSA Annual SME Conference & Exhibition in June 2025, as per the final event schedule. Additionally, they will participate in a post-award boot camp providing technical assistance, mentorship, and financial linkages. 

How to Participate 

• Application: Submit an application showcasing your innovative solution. 
• Become a Judge: Join the panel of experts evaluating submissions. 
• Partner or Sponsor: Support the initiative and gain brand visibility within Kenya’s SME ecosystem. 

For inquiries, please contact us at kepsasme@kepsa.or.ke