Kenyan companies Twiga Foods, Opibus among TIME’s 100 most influential companies

Electric motorcycle start-up Opibus and e-commerce outlet Twiga Foods are the only Kenyan and African companies featured on TIME Magazine’s 2022 list of ‘100 most influential companies.’

The list, which is in its second edition, recognises businesses that have made an extraordinary impact around the world. 

It was subdivided into five categories: Pioneers, Titans, Leaders, Innovators and Disruptors.

“TIME solicits nominations across sectors including health care, entertainment and technology, and more from our global network of editors and correspondents, as well as from industry experts,” the publication says on its website.

“Then we evaluate each on key factors, including relevance, impact, innovation, leadership, ambition, and success. The result is a diverse array of 100 businesses helping chart an essential path forward.”

Both Opibus and Twiga were recognised in the Disruptors category which also included social media giant TikTok.

Founded in 2017, Opibus which has roots in Sweden, was recognised for its efforts in rolling out electric motorcycle taxis popularly known as boda boda across Kenya in a bid to endorse clean transport alternatives.

“It has deployed 160 prototypes and launched a successful pilot program with Uber. Opibus is poised to scale up to mass manufacturing, with an anticipated 3,000 vehicles ready for sale on the local market by the end of the year at a price on par with that of conventional motorcycles,” TIME Magazine said.

Twiga Foods, which was launched in 2014, was on the other hand lauded for disrupting inefficient local food supply chains that have forced Kenyan households to spend more on income and groceries.

“This means clients can buy what their customers want, not just the goods they can afford. To further cut costs, Twiga is now growing some of its fastest-selling products—including onions, tomatoes, and watermelons—itself,” said TIME.