The 2014 Rising Star Awards – in partnership with CEB – has announced the 44 finalists who will go through to the final judging phase of the awards, with the 2014 Rising Star from each of the nine featured business sectors to be announced on 24 June 2014 at a Gala Dinner in the Nairobi Hilton.
According Laura Barker, MD of BlackBark Productions, the organizers of the 2014 Rising Star Awards, in light of the recent headlines around Kenya’s dreadful skills shortage, it is incredibly encouraging to receive entries from numerous young talented individuals across various sectors.
The awards, now in the third year in South Africa and just launched in Kenya, was established for the purpose of recognizing, celebrating and connecting young, talented people who have not only demonstrated achievement and success, but have also contributed in an inspirational manner to the future of Kenya.
Barker adds that these awards are critical as “Not only will a company increase its talent pool by identifying and developing its talented employees, but it will also positively affect the organization’s competitiveness as a result.”
“While there is an undeniable scarcity of skilled resources in certain sectors, Kenya is also home to an abundance of individuals with untapped potential who either aren’t aware of how to demonstrate their capabilities, or haven’t been given the opportunity to showcase their skills.
Barker says that the reputable status of the companies from which the finalists originate reinforces the view that engaged and developed employees are crucial to the success of a business. “A simple yet powerful way in which to engage employees, and effectively focus any development efforts, is to recognise individuals.
The 45 finalists operate in 9 different business sectors including Construction, Energy and Chemicals, Entrepreneur/SMME, Banking and Financial Services, Tourism & Hospitality, ICT, Logistics and Supply Chain, Business Services, Service: Public and Private and Manufacturing, Retail and FMCG.
Five finalists are selected per business sector and will join the Rising Star Network, an exclusive network which all Rising Star finalists, judges and mentors belong to. “While there will be only one Rising Star from each sector, all finalists join the Rising Star Network, a forum providing on-going support and learning, which is vital for further growth.”
The finalist include
- Construction Energy and Chemicals (sponsor: Engen)
- Entrepreneur/SMME
- Banking and Financial Services (sponsor: CfC Stanbic Bank)
- Tourism & Hospitality
- ICT (sponsor: Airtel)
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Business Services
- Service: Public and Private
- Manufacturing, Retail and FMCG
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