A lobby group has urged members of the public to nominate human rights activists championing collective public good and social justice so they can be awarded.
Defenders Coalition programmes manager Gloria Madegwa has said nominations for the annual Human Rights Defenders awards are on and members of the public have a chance to honour those who fight for them.
“Defenders Coalition is excited to bring to you the ninth annual Human Rights Defenders Awards to celebrate gallant human rights defenders and activists in Kenya,” she said.
“We call on you to nominate human rights defenders, activists, organisations that you as an individual feel they deserve to be recognised because of the good human rights work they are doing."
Last year, the lobby crowned the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission in Kenya as the overall winner of the awards.
The LGBTQ lobby was awarded for a steadfast litigation for their recognition, resulting in the September 2023 decision of the Supreme Court that quashed the refusal by the government to allow its registration.
The court ruled the group had the right to be listed and recognised as an association.
Also feted last year, was lawyer Paul Muite, who bagged the Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong commitment to human rights.
Defenders Coalition said its awards were geared toward encouraging a conscientious society in which members of the public were vigilant to defend the constitution, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
“Civic space in Kenya continues to be under pressure as a range of actions are being directed against the work of human rights defenders and civil society organisations," a statement on its website indicated.
"Physical attacks, criminal and administrative actions, legislative restrictions, negative rhetoric and limitation of human rights have undermined the constitutional and international protections available to HRDs.”
Besides honouring excelling activists, the awards also seek to profile the work of activists and document challenges they face as agents of social change and transformation.
They also seek to scout upcoming activists and hone their talents by putting them through mentorship programmes.
They also seek to enhance the safety and protection of all rights defenders in the country.
The awards are the Munir Mazrui Lifetime Achievement Award, the Human Rights Defender of the Year Award, the Upcoming Human Rights Defender of the Year Award and the Global Solidarity Award.