In 2023, several Kenyans received global recognition for various achievements.
The individuals were said to have invested years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance behind the scenes, earning them recognition on the continental and global stages.
At Kenyans.co.ke, we've curated a list highlighting these exceptional Kenyans who not only earned personal success but also brought pride to the nation in diverse fields.
Kennedy Odede
Kennedy Odede, founder and CEO of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), was recognised in the TIME 100 Impact Awards by TIME Magazine for his efforts in promoting gender equality in underserved communities.
SHOFCO, a grassroots movement, has gained global recognition as a leading non-governmental organisation.
Odede received the award alongside notable figures such as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Danai Gurira and actress Ashley Judd at the ceremony in Rwanda on November 17.
Claire Gakii
Claire Gakii, a 13-year-old Kenyan, won the Universal Postal Union’s 52nd International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People in October.
Her letter addressed the mission of making roads safe for all children, earning her recognition at the United Postal Union (UPU) fourth Extraordinary Congress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Daniel Mutai
Daniel Mutai, the former Principal of the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology, was awarded a silver medal for lifetime achievement by the Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) in May 2023.
Mutai was feted for formulating solutions benefiting post-secondary institutions and their communities.
Wangari Kuria
Wangari Kuria, a farmer and entrepreneur, won the 2023 Global Citizen Prize: Citizen Award, Kenya for her work with women farmers in Kenya.
Operating in Kitengela, she cultivates mushrooms and provides agricultural education, empowering fellow farmers to establish their ventures.
Abdullahi Mire
Abdullahi Mire, a former refugee and journalist, was in November 2023 crowned the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Nansen Refugee Award's 2023 global laureate
Mire was recognised for championing the right to education by placing 100,000 books in the hands of refugee children in Kenya, thus demonstrating resourcefulness and tenacity.
Wanuri Kahiu
Wanuri Kahiu, a Kenyan filmmaker, received the Spirit of Cinema Award during the 28th annual International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) on December 8.
Known for her film "Rafiki," banned in Kenya for promoting LGBTQ values, Kahiu was recognised for her immense contribution to the film industry.
Kubik
Kubik, an environmental technology company founded in 2021, won the Global Startup Awards for using plastic waste to construct low-carbon, durable, and affordable buildings.
Its mission focuses on removing millions of tons of plastic from the environment and transforming it into sustainable structures.
Richard Turere
Richard Turere won the Young Inventor Prize at the European Inventor Award 2023 for developing a system using light sequences to protect livestock from predators without harming endangered animals.
Turere's achievements were recognised by the European Patent Office.
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