Four Kenyans honoured for their purpose-driven innovation

By recognizing and amplifying the work of these four leaders, the MB100 awards underscore Kenya's role in setting a standard for how business can fuel economic development

Kenyan business leaders have been recognized in the 2024 Meaningful Business 100 (MB100). Photo/ Courtesy.
Kenyan business leaders have been recognized in the 2024 Meaningful Business 100 (MB100). Photo/ Courtesy.

Kenyan business leaders have been recognized in the 2024 Meaningful Business 100 (MB100), an award that celebrates individuals globally who drive positive societal change through impactful and profitable business strategies.

The honorees—Paul Russo, Lucy Mutinda, Camille Rebelo, and Biju Mohandas—have set remarkable examples of sustainability and purpose-driven innovation, enhancing Kenya’s role as a regional leader in socially responsible business.

  1. Paul Russo, CEO, KCB Group – Leading one of East Africa’s largest banks, Russo has prioritized sustainable banking practices across KCB’s extensive network, reaching millions in Kenya and beyond.
  2. Lucy Mutinda, Founder & CEO, Ecocycle – Mutinda’s company addresses water scarcity through AI-driven wastewater recycling solutions. Ecocycle impacts over 50,000 Kenyans and recycles millions of liters of water daily.
  3. Camille Rebelo, Co-Founder & COO, EcoPlanet Bamboo – Rebelo champions sustainable reforestation with bamboo, providing eco-friendly biomass alternatives that reduce deforestation across multiple countries.
  4. Biju Mohandas, Partner & Global Head of Healthcare, LeapFrog Investments – Mohandas oversees healthcare investments aimed at providing quality, affordable care across emerging markets, impacting millions through sustainable healthcare models.

The MB100 selection panel included leaders from prominent organizations like Google, the United Nations, and the Rockefeller Foundation, who chose the 100 honorees from over 850 global applicants. Tom Lytton-Dickie, Founder & CEO of Meaningful Business, praised the Kenyan winners for demonstrating how businesses can address crucial social and environmental issues while contributing to economic growth. “These leaders represent the potential of Kenya as a hub for innovative solutions in Africa,” he noted.

The MB100 recognition comes as Nairobi cements its place as a center for sustainable enterprise in Africa. With initiatives tackling challenges such as waste management, healthcare access, and financial inclusion, Kenya has attracted both local and international partners focused on fostering sustainability.

To celebrate the 2024 honorees, Meaningful Business hosted an event in Nairobi, featuring discussions on Kenya’s potential to drive impact-led growth across the continent. The gathering connected MB100 winners with Kenyan business leaders, fostering collaborations aimed at advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kenya.

Kenya Climate Ventures, APA Insurance, and international supporters like EY and Babson College have partnered to support the MB100 initiative, offering resources and mentorship to enhance purpose-driven enterprises in Kenya.

Ashok Shah, Group CEO of Apollo Investments Limited, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing that APA Insurance’s involvement aligns with its mission to support resilience and sustainability among Kenyan businesses.

Victor Ndiege, CEO of Kenya Climate Ventures, highlighted the impact of supporting climate-smart and gender-inclusive businesses in Kenya, stating, “Our approach of providing patient capital and business support has helped these enterprises scale effectively. The MB100 awardees exemplify Kenya’s commitment to building sustainable and inclusive growth models across rural and urban areas.”

By recognizing and amplifying the work of these four leaders, the MB100 awards underscore Kenya’s role in setting a standard for how business can fuel economic development while addressing environmental and social challenges.

The initiative reinforces Kenya’s position as a model for impactful business practices across the continent, with the honorees serving as catalysts for sustainable growth that benefits people and the planet.

Meaningful Business is a global network of purpose-driven leaders working to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The platform unites CEOs, social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and sustainability heads from over 140 countries, providing resources, mentorship, and knowledge to help these leaders succeed.

 

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