Brookside Dairies, one of Kenya’s largest dairy producers, has emerged as the Overall Winner at the 2024 Kenya Quality Awards (KQA), marking a significant milestone for both the company and the country’s business landscape. The award, which was presented during the World Quality Week, underscores the importance of quality standards in fostering economic growth and enhancing Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets.
The Kenya Quality Awards, hosted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), serve to recognize organizations that have excelled in maintaining high-quality standards across various sectors. This year’s theme, “Quality: From Compliance to Performance,” highlights the shift toward embedding quality not just as a regulatory requirement but as a core component of business strategy that drives growth, sustainability, and customer trust.
Brookside Dairies, which clinched the Overall Winner Company of the Year in the large firm category, was celebrated for its Dairy Best UHT Milk. This product, which also won the Product of the Year award, exemplifies Brookside’s commitment to maintaining exceptional quality standards in its production processes. The company’s recognition signals the growing emphasis on quality within Kenya’s corporate sector, as businesses increasingly strive to meet both local and international demands.
In the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) category, ASL Wires & Cables stood out for its innovative PVC Insulated Non-Armored Cable. This product, which is flame-retardant and anti-rodent, illustrates the creativity and resilience of Kenyan MSMEs in adopting quality standards to create value-added products that cater to evolving market needs.
The awards ceremony, which marked the grand finale of World Quality Week, was attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Hon. Salim Mvurya. In his keynote address, CS Mvurya underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing quality standards, particularly for MSMEs, which are key drivers of Kenya’s economic growth. He emphasized that improving the quality of products and services at all levels would bolster Kenya’s standing in regional and global markets.
CS Mvurya stressed that the government’s push to promote quality is aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to empower businesses at all levels. He stated, “Our goal is to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and large enterprises, enabling them to thrive in a quality-centered economy.” The government, he added, is dedicated to implementing policies that help businesses in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services improve productivity, build consumer trust, and compete globally.
Principal Secretary in the State Department of Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the broader benefits of quality excellence. He pointed out that by prioritizing quality, Kenyan companies not only improve their competitiveness but also contribute to elevating the country’s global reputation. “When companies prioritize quality, they don’t just meet standards; they elevate our country’s reputation, fostering trust and admiration in international markets,” Dr. Mukhwana stated.
KEBS Managing Director, Esther Ngari, highlighted the critical role that quality plays in business success and national development. She noted that quality standards form the foundation of business relationships, foster loyalty, and drive sustainable growth. Ngari expressed the Kenya Bureau of Standards’ dedication to raising standards across all industries, thereby helping businesses meet both national and international benchmarks. “Quality is the silent yet powerful foundation of any business and any nation,” Ngari remarked.
The Kenya Quality Awards serve as a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting quality across all sectors, from manufacturing to services. By recognizing companies that excel in maintaining high standards, the awards foster a culture of excellence that is critical to Kenya’s long-term economic growth. With government support and a focus on quality, Kenyan businesses are well-positioned to compete successfully on the global stage, attracting investment, supporting innovation, and driving sustainable development.
