Nairobi, Kenya – The NGOs Awards Secretariat has unveiled the top five nominees for the 2nd Edition of the NGOs Awards 2025, selected from an impressive 327 nominations received this year across 18 categories.
The annual awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact in Kenya’s civil society sector—recognising organisations and individuals who are changing lives and driving community transformation.
The 2025 NGOs Awards Gala Night will be held on Friday, 14th November 2025, at the Safari Park Hotel, starting at 6:00 PM. The highly anticipated event will bring together NGO leaders, donors, government representatives, and development partners for an evening of glitz, glamour, and celebration of Kenya’s development champions.
The top five nominees in each of the 18 categories will now proceed to a public voting phase, where Kenyans will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred champions based on the impact they are having in communities.
“The NGOs Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done across the country — from community health to education, human rights, and climate action,” said the Awards Secretariat. “The quality of nominees this year reflects Kenya’s vibrant and resilient NGO sector.”
The NGOs Awards 2025 Gala promises an unforgettable evening that blends recognition with networking, entertainment, and celebration of purpose-driven leadership. The awards are a project by by NGOs Hub, Kimisitu Sacco
Among the most closely watched categories this year are:
People’s Champion of the Year
Celebrating individuals whose voices and actions have inspired positive change:
- Faith Odhiambo – for her fearless advocacy for justice and the rule of law.
- Okiya Omtatah – for his unwavering pursuit of accountability and governance reforms.
- Eric Omondi (Sisi Kwa Sisi) – for championing social causes and mobilising support for vulnerable families.
- Ndung’u Nyoro – for transforming lives through his Watoto Wasome education initiative.
- Boniface Mwangi – for his bold activism and commitment to defending human rights.
CEO of the Year
Recognising transformative leadership that inspires excellence and growth in the NGO sector:
- Dr. Emily Koech – CIHEB Kenya
- Irungu Houghton – Amnesty International Kenya
- Dr. Aabid Ahmed – Mkomani Clinic Society
- Kennedy Odede – Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco)
- Dr. Margaret Lubaale – Health NGOs Network (HENNET)
NGO of the Year
Honouring outstanding organisations demonstrating impact, innovation, and sustainability:
- Shofco
- CIHEB Kenya
- GiveDirectly
- Amref Health Africa
- Compassion International Kenya
For media inquiries, partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
- Hildah Muthoni-0704 524 691
- Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ngosawards.com
See below full list:
SHORTLISTED NOMINEES 2025 SHORTLISTED NOMINEES 2025
| Best in Children |
| MKOMANI CLINIC SOCIETY |
| Plan International Kenya |
| Compassion International Kenya |
| SOS Children’s Villages Kenya |
| Food for Education Foundation |
| Best in Agriculture |
| Solidaridad East & Central Africa |
| Practical Action |
| Rural Agency for Community Development and Assistance (RACIDA) |
| Participatory Approaches For Integrated Development (PAFID) |
| Self Help Africa |
| Best in Education |
| Buckner |
| Kenya Education Fund |
| AVSI Foundation |
| AMG FOUNDATION |
| Yatima Outreach |
| Best in Humanitarian |
| Windle |
| Refugee Point |
| Platter of Compassion Food Banking Kenya |
| Kenya Red Cross |
| World Relief Kenya |
| Best in Water and Sanitation |
| PACIDA |
| ACTION AGAINST HUNGER -ACF |
| Zamzam Foundation |
| Living Water |
| Maji na Ufanisi |
| CEO of the Year |
| Dr Emily Koech-Ciheb |
| Irungu Houghton-Amnesty International |
| Dr. Aabid Ahmed-MKOMANI CLINIC SOCIETY |
| Kennedy Odede-Shofco |
| Dr. Margaret Lubaale-Hennet |
| Disability inclusion Award |
| Kenya Association of the Intellectually Handicapped (KAIH) |
| Sense International |
| Salus Oculi Kenya |
| Sight Savers |
| Cheshire Disability Services |
| Foundation of the year |
| Equity Group Foundation |
| AMG FOUNDATION |
| KCB Foundation |
| ROSE WOMEN’S FOUNDATION |
| I&M foundation |
| Government Partnership of the Year |
| Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium (Keprecon) |
| Food for Education |
| Village Enterprise |
| Nutritional International |
| FIDA |
| NGOs Partnership of the Year |
| Charter 4 Change |
| National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders |
| Asal Humanitarian Network |
| Health NGOs Network (HENNET) |
| Consortium for the Empowerment and Development of Marginalised Communities (CEDMAC) |
| Peoples Champion of the Year |
| Faith Odhiambo |
| Okiya Omtata |
| Eric Omondi |
| Ndungu Nyoro |
| Boniface Mwangi |
| Best Use of Social Media |
| Kenya Red Cross |
| CorpsAfrica |
| Action Aid |
| World Vision Kenya |
| Oxfam Kenya |
| Best in PeaceBuilding |
| Tupado |
| Pacida |
| Life and Peace Institute |
| PACT INC |
| Rural Women Peace Link |
| NGO of the Year |
| Shofco |
| Ciheb Kenya |
| Give Directly |
| Amref Africa |
| Compassion International |
| Best in Health care |
| CIHEB Kenya |
| Evidence Action |
| Christian Blind Mission |
| LVCT |
| Amref |
| Best in women and Girl Child |
| Light Up Hope Africa |
| Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) |
| Fawe Kenya |
| Access to medicine Platform |
| PS Kenya |
| Best in Governance and human rights |
| Katiba Institute |
| Kenya Human Rights Commission |
| CREAW |
| Bunge mashinani |
| Vocal Africa |
| Best in Environment and climate change |
| Wetlands International |
| Power Shift Africa |
| Pan African Climate Justice Alliance |
| Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association |
| RHINO ARK KENYA |
