NAIROBI, August 21, 2025 — The NGO Awards 2025 have been launched against a sobering backdrop: Kenya’s NGO sector is grappling with a 25% funding decline following the Trump-era decision to scrap USAID and the ongoing strain of the war in Ukraine.
With international donor streams shrinking, leaders at the launch called for urgent diversification of funding to keep life-changing programs alive.
Nominations are now open at ngosawards.com and will run until September 19. Winners will be honoured at a gala ceremony on November 14, 2025.
The Awards, now in their second year, spotlight individuals and organisations driving transformative impact across Kenya. Organisers are expanding categories to include new recognitions such as Best in Peacebuilding, Best in Disability and Inclusion, and Foundation of the Year.
This year’s theme, “Fundraising for Impact,” set the tone as civil society leaders, philanthropists, and private sector players underscored the need to tap local resources and build trust with homegrown donors.
According to a report by the NGOs Board released in 2024, before the Donald Trump-era cuts, NGOs in Kenya received Sh196 billion from various donors.
“We need to diversify and embrace impact investing,” said CIHEB CEO Dr Emily Koech.
“Kenya cannot afford to over-depend on foreign aid anymore,” said Susan Otieno, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation. “If people can faithfully give to their churches, they can be inspired to give to causes that uplift communities—provided NGOs lead with transparency and accountability.”
The World Giving Report revealed that a striking 86% of Kenyans donated money to causes, well ahead of both the global average (64%) and the African average (72%). Kenya ranks 5th globally, with Kenyans donating 2.13% of their income on average.
“Donor’s trust, but they verify,” said Wangui Mukanu of the KCB Foundation. “A credible board and transparent systems are what give funders confidence. The future of NGOs depends on it.”
From accountability to storytelling, speakers emphasised that NGOs must reshape how they engage the public.
Eric Omondi, comedian, activist, and past winner of the awards, who has also raised millions for charitable causes, said, “Kenyans are the most generous people I know. But they must trust you before they release their hard-earned money.”
With 20 award categories, expanded partnerships, and a sharpened focus on resilience, the 2025 NGO Awards mark not just a celebration—but a wake-up call to a sector at a crossroads.
What to Expect Post-Launch
The 2025 edition features 20 categories, including three new additions: Best in Peacebuilding, Best in Disability and Inclusion, and Foundation of the Year.
Here are the award categories:
Sector Award Categories
• Best in Health Award
• Best in Children Award
• Best in Education Award
• Disability Inclusion Award
• Best in Humanitarian Award
• Best in Agriculture Award
• Best in Environment and Climate Change Award
• Best in Women and Girl Child Award
• Best in Governance and Human Rights Award
• Best in Water and Sanitation Award
• Best in Diversity and Inclusion Award
• Best in Peacebuilding Award
• Excellence Award categories
• People’s champion of the year
• Foundation of the Year Award
• Best journalist in coverage of NGOs
• NGOs Partnership of the Year Award
• Best use of Social Media Award
• NGO of the Year award
• CEO of the Year Award
• Celebrity humanitarian of the Year
The 2024 awards, organised in partnership between the Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority (PBORA, formerly the NGOs Board) and Awesome Concepts Limited, drew impressive participation and funding footprint, reinforcing the NGO sector’s pivotal role in Kenya’s development.
2025 will be much bigger with more partners from the private sector and the NGO world at large coming in to participate and sponsor some categories.
Participation: Why It Matters
• Visibility & Credibility: Recognition at the NGO Awards elevates profiles, opening doors to funding, partnerships, and media coverage. Reports from the NGO Awards 2024 revealed that the awards brought a Public Relations Value of Ksh 32 million.
• Inspiration: Celebrating changemakers inspires peers and the public to pursue impactful, community-focused work.
• Networking & Collaboration: The Awards foster connections among NGOs, media, policy-makers, and development partners.
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