Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary, Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs presents the Overall Winner Award to AIC Kanzinwa.

In a celebration of visionary leadership, innovation, and community-driven impact, the Partner of the Year Awards 2023 took place on August 23, 2023, in Mombasa, Kenya, where Compassion International Kenya celebrated its 120 church partners from the counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, and Kitui. The overarching theme of “Towards Self-Sustenance through Innovation” highlighted our church partners’ remarkable achievements and contributions to community upliftment, sustainability, and resource mobilization.

Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary, Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, delivers his keynote address.

Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary, Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, who presided over the event at Elim Church Mombasa, highlighted the importance of ensuring that children are protected and the importance of partnership in ensuring we have an empowered population, released from poverty. He commended Compassion and our church partners for their exceptional work in Child Protection, Holistic Development, Youth Development, Technological advancement, Caregiver empowerment, and Environmental Conservation. The Cabinet Secretary stressed the need for responsible resource utilization to ensure long-term prosperity.

The Awards celebrated excellence in six categories where our 120 church partners have had a profound impact on the communities:

1. Child Protection: Recognizing initiatives that have shown exceptional dedication to safeguarding and nurturing the well-being of children, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for their growth and development.
2. Holistic Development: Highlighting projects that have adopted a comprehensive approach toward the holistic development of babies, children, and youth toward becoming economically self-sufficient adults.
3. Youth Development: Acknowledging the churches that have invested in the empowerment, education, and skill development of young people, paving the way for a brighter and more promising future.
4. Technological Advancement: Celebrating innovation in technology that has the potential to transform lives, uplift communities, and provide sustainable solutions to local challenges.
5. Caregiver Empowerment: Recognizing the churches with the most robust and effective caregiver initiatives to empower them to lead fulfilling lives.

Environmental Conservation: Honouring efforts to preserve and protect the environment through sustainable practices, promoting eco-friendly lifestyles, and ensuring the well-being of people and the planet.

Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary, Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, presents the First Runner-Up  Award to representatives of the Redeemed Gospel Church, Chigutu.

Peninah Malonza, Cabinet Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, who also graced the event, highlighted the crucial link between sustainable development and preserving Kenya’s natural and cultural heritage.

Peninah Malonza, OGW, Cabinet Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, delivers her address.

Leaders of local churches, including Bishop Peter Mwero, Bishop Alphonse Baya, Bishop Mbega, and Bishop Jembe, added a spiritual and moral dimension to the event, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in bringing about positive change and committed to the continued partnership towards releasing children from poverty in Jesus Name.

The Partner of the Year Awards 2023 would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors. Ecobank, KCB, and Tech Kids demonstrated their commitment to driving positive change by endorsing the event and its underlying message of self-sustenance through innovation.

Simon  Kiragu, Regional Head of Financial Institutions and International Organization,  Ecobank Kenya presents a USD. 1,000.00 cheque to the Overall Winners of the 2023 Compassion International Kenya, POYA Awards

The Awards 2023 is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in fostering self-sustenance and community impact. By recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations across diverse categories, the event has inspired a shared vision of a better future for the counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, and Kitui. As the journey towards sustainable development continues, the lessons and inspiration from this event will undoubtedly guide and motivate change-makers to create a lasting and positive impact on their communities and beyond.

Participants, boy scouts, and band members take a group photo with Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary, Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, and Compassion International Kenya National Leadership team.