Awards & Gala 2024
Nairobi Climate Network is excited to host a climate awards & gala 2024, celebrating Kenya's leading climate innovators and organisations.
When and where
Awards for Organisations
Recognising start-ups, social enterprises, non-profits, and corporates driving climate innovation, and sustainability in Kenya's climate landscape.
Pioneering Climate Innovator: Recognising start-ups or tech leaders at the forefront of climate innovation
Corporate Climate Vanguard: Celebrating an established organisation integrating climate action into its operations.
Community Climate Champion: Acknowledging a grassroots project or non-profit driving community-based climate initiatives.
Visionary Climate Investor: Highlighting investors or accelerators supporting Kenya's climate future.
Global Climate Ambassador: Honouring an organisation gaining international recognition for climate leadership.
Awards for Individuals
Honouring outstanding individuals who have demonstrated leadership, passion, and commitment to advancing climate action in Kenya and beyond.
Inspiring Climate Leader: Celebrating an inspiring individual in Kenya who is a flagbearer for climate solutions at home or abroad.
Network Community Contributor: Recognising an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to climate community discussions and events.
Eligibility criteria for organisations and individuals
Climate-Focused
For an organisation/individual to be eligible for the awards, they have to be working on a climate solution.
Presence in Kenya
An organisation/individual must have a climate solution being implemented in Kenya or must be associated with an organisation legally registered in Kenya.
Nomination
Organisation/individual must be nominated by an NCN member. Members can nominate any solution that meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of whether the organisation/individual is an NCN member or not.
The selection process
1. Submit your nominations
Are you part of the Nairobi Climate Network? Nominate an organisation or individual you believe is leading the charge on climate solutions! It’s easy—just click the button below and fill out the quick form. Share why your nominee stands out and deserves to win. Nominating: 23rd September - 19th October
2. Expert judging
Nominees who meet our eligibility criteria will be shortlisted as contenders. Our panel of expert judges will evaluate the shortlist and select the top three finalists in each category. Shortlisting: 31st October - 1st November
3. Make your voice count
As an NCN member, you get to vote! Help decide who takes home the awards by voting for your favourite finalist. Winners will be revealed live at the Gala Ceremony! Voting: 1st - 29th November
Panel of Judges
Wanjira Mathai
Africa Director, WRI
Wanjira Mathai is a formidable force in environmental advocacy. She spearheads transformative initiatives to encourage sustainable and equitable development. With over two decades of strategic leadership, she has catalyzed critical environmental and social change across Africa.
As a Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Chief Africa adviser to the Bezos Earth Fund (BEF), she is shaping NGO and philanthropic work on the continent, directing attention, research, and funding to helping the most climate-vulnerable places and communities. She has led the iconic Green Belt Movement (GBM) in Kenya as the former Chair – the organization her mother, Wangari Maathai (2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate) founded in 1977 -, pioneered investment in women entrepreneurs in renewable energy, and is driving a movement to restore 100 million hectares of African land.
She has raised the prominence and visibility of global issues such as climate change, youth leadership, sustainable energy and landscape restoration. Wanjira currently serves as a Leadership Council member of the Clean Cooking Alliance. She is a member of the High-Level Group of the Africa-Europe Foundation and the European Climate Foundation Advisory Council.
Wanjira is one of a few Six Seconds EQ Practitioners in Kenya and was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential African Women in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2023.
Wangari Muchiri
Africa Director, GWEC
Wangari Muchiri, Director of Africa at the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and Global Renewables Alliance (GRA) is a visionary engineer leading initiatives to advance renewable energy across Africa.
Honored as a top influencer in energy and climate leadership, she has received awards from Insider magazine, Obama Foundation, Greenpeace, Oxford University and GWEC.
Wangari holds engineering degrees from University of New South Wales and University of Technology in Sydney, Australia and is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Oxford University on full scholarship.
She sits on various boards including The Kenya Green Building Society, ESI Africa, Clarion Energy Advisory Board, Meliore Foundation and The Buildings and Cities Journal Practitioners.
Since joining the Global Wind Energy Council, Wangari has lead the industry initiative Africa Wind Power, to deliver capacity building, market coordination and policy support for governments and private sector stakeholders across the continent. She has contributed to a revenue growth of over 200% in the last 24 months and engaged with over 15 African governments to support their climate objectives.
Mark Napier
CEO, FSD Africa
Mark Napier is a climate finance leader with a long career in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. He currently serves as the CEO of FSD Africa, where he provides strategic leadership to an organisation of over 100 people that works in 30 countries across Africa to make finance work for Africa’s future.
FSD Africa’s goal is to help African financial markets become more sophisticated, innovative, varied and efficient, so that users of the financial system – investors, savers, businesses, even governments – can find what they need at a price they can afford.
Mark’s early career (1989-2003) was in investment banking in the City of London where he advised growth companies on M&A and capital raising. He has now been involved in financial sector development in Africa for well over two decades. Mark has a comprehensive understanding of the policy environment and commercial trends in financial markets in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ticket packages
Join us for the Gala Dinner where we’ll be announcing the winner. Secure your spot now – limited tickets available!
Get involved
Sponsor opportunities
NCN is seeking headlining and supporting sponsors for this prestigious event. Email Flavia at flavia@nairobiclimatenetwork to discuss sponsorship packages.
Partnership opportunities
NCN welcomes partners to support through in-kind contributions. Interested sponsors and partners should contact Keziah at [email protected].