Bizna Kenya has today unveiled thirty-two shortlisted nominees for the Inaugural Young Entrepreneurs Awards (YEA Awards) 2018

The prestigious YEA Awards is designed to recognize, celebrate and encourage upcoming and industrious young entrepreneurs aged (18 – 35 years) to improve how they operate and manage a business for increased profitability.

In its first edition, the YEA Awards has attracted entries from different business sectors. Thirty-two nominees have been nominated in various categories including the Young Entrepreneur of the Year-Male and Young Entrepreneur of the Year-Female.

Bizna Kenya Founder and CEO Tonnie Mello said, “We are delighted to host this event and celebrate young entrepreneurs who are doing tremendous work to meet needs in the society. Young people lead the way in many endeavors in life, especially in entrepreneurship and we are happy to cheer them on. With this initiative, things can only get better in Kenyan businesses”

The nominations phase which closed on 20^th September 2018 saw some young entrepreneurs nominating themselves while others were nominated by colleagues, partners, and customers who enjoy their products and services. The proposed names were analyzed, verified by a panel of judges.

The shortlisting phase lasted until 26^th October, where the judges settled for three nominees per category and four for the overall male and female Young Entrepreneurs of the Year.

Shortlisted Nominees are now presented to the public for voting. The voting process is set to run three weeks from today until mid-night 25^th November, to determine Kenya’s top 12 Young Entrepreneurs who become the winners. The YEA Awards will see the winners, getting marketing, business support services worth over Sh. 1 Million.

Click on https://yea.co.ke/vote to vote for your favorite Young Entrepreneurs Awards nominee.

The 32 shortlisted Nominees per category are;

Fashion Award

• Ian Mati, Vintara Collection KE
• Valentine Nekesa, Nekesa Queens Ltd
• Debbie Oyugi, Debbie Oyugi Kids

Real Estate Award

• Moses Muriithi, Fanaka Real Estate Ltd
• Tim Kipchumba, Questworks Ltd
• Lucas Mwangi, Appropriate Design Ltd

Agripreneur Award

• John Kiruthi, Farmers Trend
• Rodgers Kirwa, iAgribiz Africa
• Peter Ngigi, Remington Africa

Service Industry Award

• Anyiko Owoko, Anyiko Public Relations
• Mumbi Ndung’u, Ibua Africa
• Mary Njoki, Glass House PR

Entertainment Award

• Abel Mutua, Phil-It Production
• Kevin Bahati, EMB Records
• Anthony Mwangi, Anto Neo Soul

Hospitality Award

• Muthuri Kinyamu, Turn Up Travel Global
• Stephen Maithya, Stevenchy Photography 
• Martin Ruga, Desserts Anyone

Manufacturing Award

• Collins K, Rutto, Sunpride Garments Ltd
• Ruth Mwanzia, Kooler Waters
• Mercy Kyallo, Yallo Limited

Digital Award

• Samuel Majani, Ghafla
• George Magunga, www.themagunga.com
• Mark Kaigwa, Nendo

Young Entrepreneur of The Year-Male

• Brian Gacara, Property Reality Company
• Eugene Mbugua, Young Rich Television Limited
• Pancras Karema, Expeditions Maasai Safaris
• Meshack Alloys, Sendy

Young Entrepreneur of The Year-Female

• Anerlisa Muigai, Nero Company Ltd
• Nancy Amunga, Dana Communications
• Lucia Musau, Africa Elite Group,
• Michelle Ntalami, Marini Naturals