Top Kenyans Honoured with Major Awards Locally and Internationally in 2025

Kenyan citizens received major international awards across education, sport, governance and civic activism in 2025, marking a year of high-profile recognition for the country on global platforms.

One of the year’s most significant honours was awarded in July to Kennedy Odede, founder and chief executive of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), who received the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize. The prize, presented every five years to one man and one woman, recognises individuals whose work reflects Nelson Mandela’s values of justice, service and reconciliation. 

Odede was honoured at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York, becoming the first Kenyan man to receive the award. His work focuses on community-led development in urban informal settlements.

Kenya’s strength in athletics was highlighted in December when middle-distance runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi was named World Athletics Male Track Athlete of the Year. The award followed a season that included victories at the World Championships and the Diamond League. His performance reinforced Kenya’s standing in international athletics and signalled the rise of a new generation of elite runners.

In education, Jepkosgei Chemoiwa, a Mathematics and Physics teacher at Emining Boys High School in Baringo County, received continental recognition in September. She was named Africa’s best teacher by UNESCO’s International Institute for Capacity Building. Chemoiwa was recognised for using digital tools during the COVID-19 pandemic to expand access to learning. 

Her approach included livestreamed lessons, virtual laboratories and interactive teaching methods in areas with limited technological resources. Public service and governance were recognised in August when Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura received an award from the United Nations Centre in Bangkok. 

The honour acknowledged his work in youth mentorship, social justice advocacy and climate-focused initiatives. The citation noted his role in promoting youth participation and sustainable development in public policy.

Youth leadership was also recognised at a continental level in July. Babu Owino received the Top Influential Youth African Leader of the Year Award at the Africa Golden Awards ceremony in Lagos. Organisers cited his role in youth mobilisation and his influence in national political debate.

In December, constitutional advocacy and legal activism were recognised when Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah received the Vanguard Warrior Award from the International Commission of Jurists Kenya. The award acknowledged his use of public interest litigation to challenge government actions and promote accountability within constitutional frameworks.