Our Annual Upinde Awards celebrate individuals, institutions, and organisations that have gone above and beyond in empowering, protecting, and advancing the rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Kenya.
The first-ever edition was held in late 2012 at City Hall and was also the first event held by The Commission. The first Upinde Awards ceremony served as a launchpad for the organisation to announce our beginnings and our intention to be open and accessible to the community.
Shujaa Award
Award presented to individual who has demonstrated immense acts of courage in their protection of the Human Rights of LGBTIQ+ persons
Ubunifu Award
Award presented to a person, organization, or platform that uses creativity as a site of activism whether through visual arts, storytelling, podcasting, blogging or other forms of media arts or communication
Utumishi Award
Award honours innovative partnerships in service delivery and engagement within the LGBTIQ+ Rights movement
Nguzo Award
Award recognizes funding partners, government agencies/departments, allies, family members, media, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and institutions whose financial, technical, and in-kind support has helped make significant contributions to the health, rights, and well-being of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Kenya
