List of 10 Kenyans That Won Global Awards in 2023

Despite challenging economic circumstances, Kenyans have continued to make a name for themselves globally by winning prestigious awards in 2023.

Various businesses and individuals from different sectors have been acknowledged for their innovative contributions to the technology field. We have compiled a list of 10 esteemed awards given to Kenyan businesses and individuals on the international stage.

BasiGo

BasiGo, a Kenyan startup, was recently honoured with the top award for Mobility and Logistics at the Global Startup Awards (GSA) Africa Summit held in Addis Ababa. BasiGo’s groundbreaking Pay-As-You-Drive model makes it easier for operators to access new electric buses.

Peter Njeri

Peter Njeri, the recipient of the prestigious Waislitz Global Citizen 2023 prize, has accomplished extraordinary feats in his professional journey. His outstanding achievements have been acknowledged through a multitude of honours, such as his membership in the esteemed Royal Academy of Engineering, selection as a Microsoft #Insider4Good Fellow, recipient of a grant from Global Affairs Canada, and recognition as a UN, WFP Fellow. Additionally, Peter holds the distinction of being a Co-founder of Mega Gas Alternative Energy. Mega Gas Alternative Energy is renowned for its commitment to transforming plastic waste into clean cooking gas, effectively providing affordable and eco-friendly cooking energy solutions to underprivileged households.

Esther Kimani

Esther Kimani, the winner of The Waislitz Global Citizen 2023 award, has gained recognition for her involvement with Farmer Lifeline, an Agritech organization focused on climate issues. Their pioneering work involves the development of revolutionary tools that combine solar power and technology to identify crop pests and diseases. The primary objective of this project is to eliminate hunger and extreme poverty for 1 million vulnerable small-scale farmers. This initiative is of utmost importance as the current delayed detection of these threats leads to a staggering 47% reduction in crop production every farming season.

Gjenge Makers

Gjenge Makers, an organization dedicated to combatting hunger and poverty, has successfully developed innovative solar-powered devices that utilize advanced technology to detect crop pests and diseases. Their groundbreaking technology aims to benefit 1 million marginalized smallholder farmers. Recognizing their remarkable achievements, Gjenge Makers was honoured with the Global Start-Up Awards in the Eastern region. Their primary focus lies in creating sustainable and affordable construction materials by combining recycled plastic with sand, resulting in bricks that surpass the strength of traditional concrete materials.

Sammy Chemoiwo

In May 2023, Sammy Chemoiwo, the principal of the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST), was awarded a prestigious gold medal in the Leadership category by the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) for his efforts in promoting inclusivity. The RVIST itself was also recognized with a gold medal for its outstanding commitment to sustainable goals.

Thynx Care Foundation

The organization was honoured with the Global Start-up Awards, where they were acclaimed as an exemplar in the field of diversity. Their objective is to introduce initiatives for sexual reproductive health and education, while also rallying communities to become catalysts for transformation.

Dr. Daniel Mutai

In May 2023, the Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) recognized Dr. Daniel Mutai, former principal of the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology, with a prestigious silver medal. This distinguished honour celebrates Dr. Mutai’s extensive efforts in devising effective solutions for post-secondary institutions to create a meaningful and beneficial influence within their communities.

Wangari Kuria

Wangari Kuria, a distinguished Kenyan farmer and entrepreneur, was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments along with three other Africans. She was honoured with the esteemed Global Prize. In Kitengela, she cultivates mushrooms alongside other vegetables. Additionally, her initiative offers agricultural education and empowers farmers to establish their own ventures.

Yakwetu Kenya

Yakwetu Online Limited has achieved triumph as one of the seven awardees in the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Global Awards contest, which took place on July 11, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland. Specializing in delivering digital content for entertainment and education to African audiences, Yakwetu Online plays a vital part in the fight against piracy and the monetization of African content. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge individuals and businesses that utilize intellectual property for commercial purposes, specifically focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The 2023 competition attracted 548 submissions from 58 countries across various industries.

Phylis Omido

Kenyan environmental activist Phylis Omido was honoured with the Right Livelihood Award in Stockholm, Sweden. Her remarkable efforts involved rallying her community against a smelter that emitted toxic fumes containing lead materials.