Brookside Dairies, ASL Wires & Cables lead wins at Kenya Quality Awards as government promotes quality for global market access

The Kenya Quality Awards, held during World Quality Week, celebrated excellence in quality standards among Kenyan businesses, spotlighting their role in boosting economic growth and positioning Kenya in global markets.

Hosted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the awards honored companies that exemplify quality in both product and service categories.

Brookside Dairies emerged as the “Overall Winner Company of the Year” in the large firm category, recognized for its Dairy Best UHT Milk, which also claimed the Product of the Year award.

In the MSME category, ASL Wires & Cables won for its innovative PVC Insulated Non-Armored Cable, which is flame-retardant and anti-rodent.

The event’s theme, “Quality: From Compliance to Performance,” underscored a shift toward embedding quality as an integral part of business growth, sustainability, and customer trust.

The Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Salim Mvurya, highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing quality standards across sectors, particularly for MSMEs, to improve market access and competitiveness globally.

The awards gala, which serves as the grand finale of World Quality Week, was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for, Investments, Trade, and Industry Hon. Salim Mvurya.

In his keynote address, CS Mvurya reiterated the government’s commitment to the development of the MSME sector, underscoring the importance of quality in driving Kenya’s economic agenda.

“Our goal is to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and large enterprises, enabling them to thrive in a quality-centered economy. By elevating quality standards at every level, we help these businesses improve productivity, build consumer trust, and compete successfully in regional and international markets,” CS Mvurya noted.

He added that the pursuit of excellence in quality aligns directly with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and that true, impactful economic growth cannot thrive without a deep commitment to excellence that touches every corner of our society, from the smallest enterprise to the largest corporation.

The government, through the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, is committed to creating policies that enable businesses across all sectors to adopt and maintain quality standards as an essential tool for economic empowerment that must be accessible to all sectors, from agriculture and manufacturing to trade and services.

He further underscored the business value of compliance with quality standards, saying it plays a crucial role in enhancing business competitiveness and improving economic performance by ensuring that products and services meet consistent, internationally recognized benchmarks.

According to the CS, by adopting these standards, businesses can increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction, leading to greater market access and consumer trust. This not only boosts the reputation of individual companies but also contributes to a stronger, more resilient economy, as higher quality offerings attract investment, support innovation, and drive sustainable growth across sectors.

Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Industry, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana emphasized the broader impact of quality excellence on the national and global stage.

“The benefits of quality excellence extend beyond individual companies; they resonate across our nation, contributing to Kenya’s standing on the global stage. 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.

Mukhwana added that the Ministry has established ‘Karibu Business Support Centres’ in various parts of the country to enhance the accessibility of services to MSMEs, helping them adopt quality standards that boost their competitiveness.”

KEBS Managing Director Esther Ngari highlighted the critical role of quality in business success and national development: “Quality is the quiet ambassador of success, working behind the scenes to forge relationships, foster loyalty, and elevate standards. It becomes the silent yet powerful foundation of any business and any nation.”

Ngari added: “At the Kenya Bureau of Standards, our commitment is to raise standards across all industries and inspire a culture of quality that touches every aspect of our lives. The Kenya Quality Awards (KQA) is a testament to this commitment, standing as a beacon to recognize and celebrate organizations that champion quality.”

The Kenya Quality Awards reflect the nation’s ongoing commitment to high standards, driving excellence in both large establishments and MSMEs from manufacturing to services, and fostering a culture of quality that aligns with the country’s long-term economic goals.