UN IN KENYA PERSON OF YEAR AWARD WINNERS
Since 2002, UNIS Nairobi has been coordinating the selection process for the UN in Kenya Person of the Year, culminating in the recognition of the eventual winner on UN Day on 24 October. UNIS is also responsible for leading the local celebration of other major UN anniversaries and observances, such as the International Day of Peace, Human Rights Day, International Women’s Day, and others.
2025丨Professor Michael Ndurumo
In recognition of a remarkable life devoted to empowering persons with disabilities and promoting inclusive education in Kenya and beyond. Deaf since the age of eight, Professor Ndurumo became East Africa’s first deaf professor and has spent decades opening doors for others. He trained more than 500 teachers, helped write Kenya’s Persons with Disabilities Act (2003), and championed the inclusion of Kenyan Sign Language in the Constitution (2010). His work has transformed classrooms, communities, and national policy—advancing equality, dignity, and opportunity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Ndurumo stands as a shining example of resilience, leadership, and the spirit of leaving no one behind.
2024丨Craftskills Wind Energy International Limited
In recognition of their transformative work at the Kipeto Wind Farm - a renewable energy powerhouse that epitomizes innovation and sustainable practices. By reinvesting in local communities and leading initiatives that advance Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action), Kipeto sets a global benchmark for integrating ecological stewardship with social and economic benefits.
2023丨Mikoko Pamoja Project
Mikoko Pamoja Project - A community-based mangrove conservation and restoration project based in southern Kenya, showcasing commitment, dedication, and impactful efforts in protecting and restoring vital mangrove ecosystems and their unwavering commitment to sustainable community-based conservation efforts, significantly contributing to the fight against climate change and supporting local communities in need. Their efforts serve as an inspiration and beacon of hope for People, Planet, and Prosperity.
2022丨Mr. Aaron Nanok
Mr. Aaron Nanok - For his work in sustainable agriculture in Turkana County by sharing his sustainability knowledge to transform lives in pastoral communities, supporting them to adapt to a changing climate in their homelands; for being a living advocate for the power of education as a pathway out of poverty; for his commitment to leaving no-one behind, especially youth, women and girls in the ASALs, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Kenya.
2021丨Ms. Wawira Njiru
Wawira Njiru, is a Kenyan entrepreneur, human nutritionist, and philanthropist, who serves as the executive director of Food 4 Education, an organization that cooks, prepares and distributes nutritious meals, at subsidized prices to over 33,000 public school going children in Kenya by addressing nutritional barriers, each child is issued with a smart wristband linked to a virtual wallet into which parents deposit meagre amount of money.
2020丨Kenyatta University Student Team
A team of 15 Kenyatta University Students developed the first Mechanical ventilator using locally available material to assist COVID 19 patients in breathing. The team developed the Tiba-Vent Ventilator that has already received Certification from Kenya Bureau of standards and awaiting clinical trials emerged winners for their innovation after foreseeing a shortage of ventilators due to increased demand occasioned by the global pandemic, and reduced freight travel.
2019丨Brother Peter Tabichi
For being a living witness to the power of education and the inherent value and dignity of the teaching profession.
2018丨Mr. Eliud Kipchoge
RMr. Eliud Kipchoge - for rising to meet the challenges surrounding the transmission of HIV/AIDS in Kenya and the difficulties the youth in Kenya face in their quest to be productive and responsible citizens and for his athletic heroism and determination to advance the spirit of sport, camaraderie and humanity.
2017丨Ms. Umra Omar
Ms. Umra - Founder of Safari Doctors that gives basic medical services, immunizations, maternal healthcare and treatment of malaria on islands near Lamu.
2016丨Ms. Tegla Loroupe
Ms. Tegla Cheptike Loroupe - for using her athletic prowess to promote peace-building in conflict zones and for her leadership in ensuring refugee participation in the 2016 Olympic Games for the first time in history.
2015丨Mr. Harold Kipchumba
Mr. Harold Kipchumba – f or his outstanding efforts towards the elimination and eradication of vaccine preventable diseases.
2014丨H.E. Margaret Kenyatta
Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya -for her initiative and outstanding efforts in galvanizing the nation to ensure that “No woman should die while giving life.”
2013丨Josephine K. Leseita
Ms. Josephine K. Leseita - for her outstanding efforts in rescuing girls from early marriage, harmful beading practices and female genital mutilation.
2012丨Gudliye Farm
Ms. Gudliye Farm - was selected for its outstanding effort to eradicate food insecurity through embracing modern dry land farming as an alternative means of livelihood in Dadaab, North eastern Province, a predominantly dry land.
2011丨Pamela Achieng’ Sombe
Ms. Pamela Achieng’ Sombe - for her outstanding assistance in ensuring safe deliveries for expectant women in Nduru Kadero, Nyanza province, at a local public health dispensary with minimal health facilities.
2010丨Martin King’asia Martin
Mr. Martin King’asia co-designed the United Nation’s radio programme Timiza Ahadi, (Keep the Promise) in KBC.
2009丨Henry Kirwa
Nairobi, 26 October, 2009 – Triple Beijing Paralympic games Gold medalist Henry Kirwa was named the United Nations (UN) in Kenya Person of the Year.
2008丨Joseph Musyoka Nthenge
Mr. Joseph Musyoka Nthenge, Acting Senior Superintendent of Police - for his contribution to peace through dialogue. He is indeed worthy of the title - “Kenyan hero.”
2007丨Abbas Gullet
Mr. Abbas Gullet, Secretary General of Kenya Red Cross Society – for his outstanding leadership at KRCS which has emerged as the leading humanitarian focal point for sudden onset national disasters.
2006丨Njoki Ndung’u
Ms. Ndung’u was selected because of her outstanding contributions to the protection of the rights of women in Kenya, and for serving as an inspiration for all Kenyans in keeping with the ideals of the UN. She is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.
2005丨Agnes Pareyio
Ms. Agnes Pareyio, of Narok District - for her efforts to save girls from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and under-age marriage in a community where such practices are deeply-rooted.
2004丨Prof. Elizabeth Ngugi
Professor Elizabeth Ngugi, of the University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences - for being honoured for her contribution to preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Kenya.
2003丨Guddy Birkigt
Ms. Guddy Birkigt - for with contributing to the conservation of Robinson Island, located 30 kilometres from Malindi off the coast of Kenya.
2002丨Joseph M’eruaki
Mr. Joseph M’eruaki - for having turned a barren land in Eastern Province with thorny bushes into a land of fruit and honey. In 1995, Mbeere District was a drought-prone area.