TUKO Humanitarian Awards : Honouring Everyday Heroes Driving Change Across Kenya
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TUKO.co.ke is proud to announce the winners of the TUKO Humanitarian Awards, a celebration of extraordinary individuals who are creating meaningful change within their communities. From local grassroots champions to young innovators, the awardees reflect the spirit of service, resilience and hope that defines the heart of Kenya.
Now in its inaugural edition, the awards shine a spotlight on unsung heroes working tirelessly to uplift others, often without recognition or fanfare. “Through these awards, we affirm our belief that leadership is not about titles, it’s about action. These stories remind us that anyone can make a difference,” said Julia Majale, Managing Director at TUKO.co.ke.
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Behind the Awards: The Stories of TUKO.co.ke’s 2025 Humanitarian Heroes
Environmental & Sustainability Hero – Anita Soina
Anita Soina is a leading climate activist and the founder of Spice Warriors and The Soina Foundation. She has been a strong voice for youth involvement in protecting the environment and has represented Kenya at major global events like COP26. Through her work, Anita has organised clean-up drives, planted trees in local communities and educated young people about climate change. Her efforts have inspired many young Kenyans to take action in their own neighbourhoods and care more about the environment.
Growing up in North Kajiado, Anita witnessed the steep decline of the once-vibrant Mara River, an experience that ignited her commitment to climate justice. In a candid interview, she reflected: “I remember using riverbanks to water animals, bathe, and wash clothes. Now people cross the Mara on stepping stones. Seeing this change broke me, but also fueled my determination.”
Gender Advocate Award – Harriet Afandi
A proud recipient of the Gender Advocate Award, recognised for turning pain into power and purpose into progress.
Harriet Afandi, CEO of Elevate Community Network, has empowered over 7,000 women, youth, and children since 2022 through grassroots leadership and advocacy on gender equality, women’s rights and community empowerment. Her passion is deeply personal,born from a childhood shaped by systemic discrimination and life-altering family tragedies.
“I grew up being stung by discrimination,” she says. “That pain became my purpose.”
From spearheading national campaigns like #EndObstetricViolenceInKenya, launched after her sister’s near-fatal childbirth experience, to equipping survivors of FGM
and gender-based violence (GBV) with digital skills, Harriet Afandi is driving real change. Her work continues to dismantle harmful stereotypes and champion a more equitable future for women and girls across Kenya.
Grassroots Impact Award – James Ouma
James Ouma, founder of Lifesong Kenya, a non-profit organisation offering life coaching, mentorship, counselling, and life skills training to vulnerable boys, is also the creator of the Halfway Safe House, a home for those who have been rejected, abused or abandoned by their families. Inspired by his own time behind bars and the absence of a father figure, James built a safe space for healing, restoration, and second chances.
Drawing from his journey, James once shared: “The first time I walked into a prison where boys were being held, I saw a reflection of myself in them. I knew these young men were searching for what I had once longed for, a father figure.”
Innovation in Humanitarian Solutions – Humphrey Muchuma
An IT expert and the founder of INUA AI, a community-based tech initiative, Humphrey Muchuma has turned digital innovation into a lifeline for Nairobi’s most vulnerable youth—especially street children and orphans. Drawing from personal hardship in rural Webuye, he founded INUA AI to provide free digital training, mentorship, and job opportunities to marginalised young people.
“Limited resources, scarce opportunities, and the silent cries for help are issues many ignore, but I resolved to rewrite my story, and in doing so, rewrite the story of my community,” Humphrey shared when reflecting on his mission.
Young Humanitarian Award – Kahii Ga Cucu
At just 33, Kahii Ga Cucu, a Nairobi boda boda rider, has spent over four years feeding street families at Globe Roundabout. Orphaned young and raised by his grandmother, Kahii channels his own experience with hardship into compassion.
"I am an orphan. I know what it means to go hungry,” he shared.
Beyond meals, Kahii has helped reunite dozens of children with families, supported school reentry, and trained young women with practical skills. His quiet, consistent work is building a bridge between despair and hope for Nairobi’s most vulnerable.
Healthcare Hero Award – Richard Mwangi
With over 15 years as an audiologist, Richard Mwangi has restored more than hearing; he’s restored dignity and connection for thousands. Through free clinics and his chain of hearing centres, he reaches underserved communities with life-changing care.
"We didn’t just restore hearing, we helped people reclaim their identity,” he shares.
From helping a grandmother hear her grandkids again to cycling alongside deaf athletes to break stigma, Dr. Mwangi proves that true healing goes beyond medicine. That’s why he’s this year’s Healthcare Hero.
These stories reflect the power of ordinary individuals creating extraordinary change. From Nairobi’s informal settlements to international platforms, our awardees are living proof that impact doesn’t always come from grand gestures, but from consistent, heartfelt service. At TUKO.co.ke, we are proud to celebrate these everyday heroes who are changing lives and reshaping communities. Their courage fuels our commitment to tell stories that matter, uplift voices that often go unheard, and champion the spirit of humanity across Kenya.
Want more stories that move and inspire? Explore our human interest stories here. Tuko.co.ke
About TUKO.co.ke
TUKO.co.ke is Kenya’s leading online news platform, delivering a mix of breaking news, business coverage, and stories focused on human interest. We reach over 7 million users and generate around 30 million page views monthly.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
