19.3. 2012
In honor of it's long serving employees, Bata Kenya organized a Long Service Award Ceremony on the 24th of February 2012 at the Bata Sports Club in Limuru. The guest of honor was Mrs. Monica Pignal Bata , granddaughter to Bata shoe Company founder , Tomas Bata.
"We believe that the fundamental vitality and strength of our Organization lies in our people." - Thomas Bata.
The ceremony started with a welcome note by the guest of honor Mrs. Pignal Bata , followed by a short speech from Bata Kenya Managing Director Mr. Nasir Rafique. “Allow me to start by saluting the recipients of this prestigious award, together with their gracious spouses here today”, he said. He noted that some of the award recipients came to Bata as young and single men and women, got married, and now have grown up children with some of them now proud grandparents. He said that their devotion, hard work and commitment as employees were highly commendable.
From Right , Bata Kenya MD Mr. Nasir making his speech , Mrs Monica Pignal Bata , Mrs Fozia Nasir and Dr. Pignal. Mr Rafique was himself one of the long service award recipients, having joined the Bata Shoe Organization in March 1986.
Mrs. Monica Pignal Bata took to the podium and heartily congratulated the awardees before presenting them with their awards. The recipients received each a beautiful package of gifts, among them an engraved Chrystal glass, a 25 service certificate signed by Mr. T.G. Bata and a gold watch.
Mr. Jackson Kasiba who works as a Cutters Upper Operator receives his award. He joined Bata in 1977
The proud recipients who were invited for the ceremony together with their spouses were congratulated for working with the company for over 25 years. Among the recipients was Tina Kimotho, Personal Assistant to the Managing Director. “When my name appeared among the recipients for 25 years Award, I was quite thrilled as it is a big milestone in one’s life to be able to achieve such an award.”
Tina Kimotho (in blue) accompanied by her husband, receives her award from Monica Pignal.
Says Tina, “The year was 1986, when I joined Bata. I had just completed my A-levels when I was given the opportunity to do part-time job at the IT department. I was rather excited. I would go to college in the morning, then come back in the afternoon to work at Bata. A few years down the lane, an opportunity presented itself whereby I was able to diversify and do some secretarial work - a job that gave me more job satisfaction. I was able to further my studies once again by doing part time studies. I have seen my career grow. With the right attitude and much needed hard work, Bata is one employer that avails you great opportunities to grow professionally".
[Click here to see all the receipients.]
Mr.Wilfred Maungu and his wife receive his award. Mr. Maungu works in the retail department as a sales supplier
Martha Mgharo, PA to the Finance Director receives her award. She joined Bata in 1978.
[Click here to see all the receipients.]
So , what does it take to receive such an award?
“Having worked with Bata since 1985, I have seen Bata retail stores in Kenya grow from 29 to the current 110! It calls for total dedication in what you are doing, discipline, hard work , learning how to work with your colleagues, and going that extra mile”, says Mrs. Anne Mwangangi another of the Bata long service award recipients. She joined Bata in 1985.
Anne Mwangangi , together with her husband receive her award.
Any advice for the younger workforce?
“Be humble, seek clarification where in doubt and learn from your workmates since there is a lot to learn in the workplace, especially if it is a multinational company like Bata. Learn to respect others and work and live with them like one family”, offers Anne.
A cross section of the ceremony attendees /award receipients.
28 employees were awarded the Bata long service award that evening and two more were awarded the special recognition award which goes to Bata employees who have excelled in their various jobs. The Managing director’s chauffer Francis Thairu and Web Coordinator Christine Mwiti were the recipients of the special recognition award.
[Click here to see all the receipients.]
