The Africa Chapter of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2013) Awardshas announced their winners. Dr. Jennifer Riria, CEO of Kenya Women Finance Holding ltd clenched the prize of the master category; (EOYA) Jyoti Murkhejee, CEO Software Technologies Ltd was named the winner in the Emerging category and Professor Olive Mugenda, Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The EOYA is the world’s most prestigious award for entrepreneurs that celebrate entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in their respective fields of work. The unique award encourages entrepreneurial spirit among those with potential and recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in areas of entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, strategic direction, community or global impact, innovation and personal integrity.

Gitahi Gachahi, CEO EY Eastern Africa says, “The backbone of our vibrant and growing economy is Entrepreneurship. Through entrepreneurship citizens show unique and innovative ways of responding to their Nation’s needs eventually raising the living standards of its people. EY is fully committed to supporting entrepreneurship, being the only way for a Nation to harness its people’s creativity and achieve sustainable economic growth. We celebrate our winners today and all our finalists who truly inspire others with their vision and leadership achievements.”

Dr Jennifer Riria will represent Eastern Africa alongside other regional master category winners from  140 cities in over 50 countries around the world in Monte Carlo, in June this year .

These regional finalists will be inducted into the World Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and compete for the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2014, which is one of the most coveted global business awards.  West and South Africa will also be represented in Monte Carlo.