NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s leading telecommunications company, Safaricom, has once again proven its dominance in the market.
In the recently released 14th annual Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands rankings, Safaricom emerged as the number one overall brand in Kenya, solidifying its place as the top choice for consumers across the country.
The research, conducted in partnership with Gina Din Group, highlights not only Safaricom’s local influence but also the broader landscape of brand admiration in Kenya.
Safaricom, well-known for its innovative mobile money service, M-Pesa, secured the top spot in several categories, including overall brand, telecommunications, and the brand most admired for its contributions to society, the environment, and people.
This multi-faceted recognition underscores Safaricom’s commitment to delivering value beyond just its core services.
Interestingly, the study revealed a gap between the admiration for African brands and the presence of those brands in the market.
While 56pc of Kenyans express confidence in African-made products, only 26pc of the most admired brands are actually made in Africa.
Safaricom’s dominance, therefore, represents a significant achievement in a market where global brands like Coca-Cola, which was named the top non-African brand in Kenya, continue to have a strong presence.
Beyond Safaricom, several other Kenyan brands shone brightly in the Brand Africa rankings. Citizen TV was named the top media brand, Equity Bank took the crown in financial services, and Tusker emerged as the top non-alcoholic beverage brand—a nod to the strength and diversity of local brands that drive Kenya’s economy.
Ketepa Tea, Naivas, Softcare, Denri, and Ramtons also led in their respective categories, showcasing the varied industries where Kenyan brands are excelling.
On the other hand, international brands continue to have a significant impact. European brands make up 30pc of the top 100 most admired brands in Kenya, with notable mentions including Samsung, Nike, and Toyota leading their categories in electronics, sports, and auto manufacturing, respectively.
The Brand Africa 100 rankings not only spotlight top brands but also celebrate the leadership and innovation driving these successes.
Abdi Mohamed of ABSA was honored with the Africa Brand Leadership Award for Business, recognizing his role in transforming the brand from Barclays to ABSA.
Gina Din Kariuki, a veteran in communications and founder of the Gina Din Group, received the Africa Brand Leadership Award for Good Citizenship, highlighting her contributions to initiatives like Kenya for Kenyans and the Amani Peace Initiative.
In a broader context, the rankings also reflect Kenya’s standing as a leading nation in Africa.
Kenyans named their country as the most admired for contributing to a better Africa, ahead of South Africa, the USA, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
