Citizen TV, RMS voted among top 100 brands in Africa

Citizen TV has yet again been voted the most admired media brand in Kenya.

Royal Media Services as an organization emerged second in the same category of most admired media brands in Kenya.

The announcements were made during the 14th Annual Brand Africa 100 event held in Nairobi.

Citizen TV and Royal Media Services led in the media brand category, while Safaricom emerged winner in the telecommunications category.

"We are very happy and excited that Citizen TV has been acknowledged and celebrated. We say thank you so much to 20 million Kenyans who watch every day,” said RMS Brand Manager Shufa Tsingwa.

Timeless Noel added, "I want to thank thousands of RMS staff who work tirelessly to make us number one."

According to Thebe Ikalafeng, founder and chairman of Brand Africa, the results of the rankings demonstrate the diversity and complexity of the Kenyan market and the strength of the local brands which drive its economy and identity.

"Congratulations on Citizen for being named by Kenyans as the most admired brand in Kenya. I think it is phenomenal. This is a very competitive market for media, and for you to come on top speaks to your credibility, connectedness, and innovations,” Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman, of Brand Africa stated.

"The importance of branding cannot be underrated. Foreign direct investments, a lot of it is creative, and we have strong brands. Country branding is important—made in Kenya, made in Africa—and we should be very proud of what we have on the continent and in the country. So, I am very proud of everybody that got an award today,” Chairperson, Brand Leadership and Gina Din Group Gina Din-Kariuki added.

Kenyans ranked Kenya as their most admired country, while South Africa, USA, Rwanda, and Tanzania make up the rest of the top five.

The study revealed that while 56% of Kenyans believe in Africa, only 26% of their most admired brands are made in Africa, with Kenya accounting for 23% of the top 100 brands.