The NGO Awards 2025 were officially launched in Nairobi on Thursday against a backdrop of growing concern over dwindling donor support for Kenya’s civil society sector.
According to the NGOs Coordination Board, Kenyan organizations received Sh196 billion in 2024, but funding has since dropped by 25%, attributed to reduced international aid following the scrapping of several USAID programs during the Trump administration and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This year’s awards ceremony, scheduled for November 14 in Nairobi, will feature 20 categories, including new recognitions for Peacebuilding, Disability and Inclusion, and Foundation of the Year. Nominations are open until September 19 at ngosawards.com.
Speaking at the launch, CIHEB CEO Dr. Emily Koech urged NGOs to explore alternative funding models: “Donor aid has reduced by 25 per cent. We need to diversify and embrace impact investing.” Aga Khan Foundation CEO Susan Otieno echoed the call, stressing the need for trust-building in the sector: “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.”
Despite the challenges, Kenya ranks fifth globally in charitable giving, with 86% of Kenyans donating to causes, according to the World Giving Report.
Now in its second year, the NGO Awards aim to recognize organizations and individuals driving social change while sparking debate on the sustainability of civil society in a shifting funding landscape.
Written By Rodney Mbua
