The NGO Awards 2025 launched in Nairobi on Thursday with a strong call for action. Civil society leaders warned that Kenya’s NGO sector faces a 25% decline in funding. They linked the drop to reduced international aid after the Trump-era cuts to USAID programs and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The NGOs Board reported that organizations in Kenya received Sh196 billion in 2024. Leaders now fear the amount will shrink significantly this year. They urged NGOs to embrace new models to sustain their work.
This year’s awards will take place on November 14 in Nairobi. The event will feature 20 categories, with new slots for Peacebuilding, Disability and Inclusion, and Foundation of the Year. Organizers opened nominations on Thursday, and applicants have until September 19 to submit entries at ngosawards.com.
Speakers at the launch emphasized the need for innovation. Dr. Emily Koech, CEO of CIHEB, stressed that NGOs must diversify funding and adopt impact investing. “Donor aid has dropped by 25%. We need new solutions,” she said. Aga Khan Foundation CEO Susan Otieno encouraged Kenyans to give locally. She said faithful giving to churches can inspire people to donate to community causes when NGOs show accountability.
Kenya remains one of the most generous countries globally. The World Giving Report ranks Kenya fifth, with 86% of citizens contributing to charitable causes.
Now in its second year, the NGO Awards will celebrate organizations and individuals creating social change. The event also aims to spark debate on sustainability and encourage fresh thinking in Kenya’s NGO space.
