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.
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Shujaa Award
Award presented to individual who has demonstrated immense acts of courage in their protection of the Human Rights of LGBTIQ+ persons
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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
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Utumishi Award
Award honours innovative partnerships in service delivery and engagement within the LGBTIQ+ Rights movement
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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