Background
The Citi Micro-entrepreneurship Awards (CMA) has been successfully implemented in 23 countries since 2006. The Awards has seen the participation of more than 1,300 microfinance institutions (MFIs), receiving nearly 5,000 nominations, generating more than 500 instances of media coverage, and handing out 365 awards to micro-entrepreneurs around the world. Citi continues to be one of the leading global supporters of initiatives that strengthen the microfinance sector, and has successfully expanded the program to 28 countries and will expand to 32 countries, including Kenya and U.S. in 2012.
CMA Awards in Kenya
The inaugural Citi micro-entrepreneurship (CMA) Awards was held in Kenya for the first time this year. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Kenya were broadly encouraged to nominate their clients who have exhibited excellence in areas such as loan repayment, business growth, employment growth, and impact on the community for their local Citi Micro-Entrepreneurship Awards program. All nominees had to be submitted through a microfinance institution.
Musoni Kenya Ltd Win
All the 5 Branches of Musoni participated in nominating their clients. From a submission of over 140 clients from 22 Micro finance Institutions in Kenya, 18 clients were shortlisted. Three (3) of Musoni Kenya clients were declared winners in a colorful and well attended CMA Awards ceremony held at the Intercontinental hotel, Nairobi, on the 5th December 2012. Among the attendees for this event was the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Finance, the CEOs from different Micro Finance Institutions, the Branch Managers and the Credit Officers of the finalists clients. And last but not least were the clients, some of whom were accompanied by their proud spouses.
The Musoni clients who won in the various categories are:
- Samuel Njoroge (Metal work/ Scrap metal)- Platinum- 1st place in the Youth category.
- Eliud Eliakim (Beauty college/ Salon)- Silver- 3rd place in the Youth category.
- Gladys Akoth Atieno (Textile Industry)- Bronze- 4th place in the women category.
All Micro finance Institutions that had their clients participate were also awarded a certificate of Participation.