The NGO Awards 2025 were launched in Nairobi on Thursday, with civil society leaders warning of a 25% decline in funding for Kenya’s NGO sector.

The drop has been linked to reduced international aid following the Trump-era scrapping of USAID programs and the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the NGOs Board, Kenyan NGOs received Sh196 billion in 2024 before the cuts.

This year’s awards, set 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.

Speakers at the launch urged NGOs to diversify their funding and strengthen accountability. “Donor aid has reduced by 25 per cent. We need to diversify and embrace impact investing,” said Dr. Emily Koech, CEO of CIHEB. Aga Khan Foundation CEO Susan Otieno added: “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.”

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 highlight organizations and individuals driving social impact while sparking debate on the sector’s sustainability.