Five Regional firms have received top honours for their outstanding contribution to society.

The firms based in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda scooped top awards in the just concluded Bank M East African Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) competition this year.

Sarova Hotels Resorts and Game Lodges, Tullow Uganda Operations Pty Ltd, Vodacom Tanzania Ltd, Unilever Tea Kenya Ltd, Coca Cola Central, East & West Africa Business Unit, emerged winners out of 24 companies which were shortlisted.

While congratulating the winners, Nimrod Mkono, chairman of Bank M Tanzania Ltd, said the Bank had initiated the CSR Awards to recognise and encourage responsible management of dwindling natural resources while at the same time being sensitive to the people.

Mr Mkono added that the Bank M East African CSR Awards are intended to celebrate companies in East Africa who have achieved excellence in executing their corporate social responsibilities.

Sarova Hotels Resorts and Game Lodges scooped the awards for the Best Work Place Practice category while Tullow Uganda Operations Pty Ltd emerged the winner in the Most Ethical & Responsible Business Practice for Supply Chains category.

The local telecom company Vodacom Tanzania Ltd topped the Most Sustainable & Scalable Community Investment category , while Unilever Tea Kenya Ltd emerged the winner in Environmental Excellence.

Coca Cola Central, East & West Africa Business Unit won the award for the newly introduced category; The Elvis Musiba award for Innovative Partnership.