Kenyan peacebuilder named 2025 Humanitarian Hero of the Year

Shee Kupi Shee (left) in Geneva, Switzerland. He has been named AidEx Humanitarian Hero of the Year 2025 for his work in disaster relief, peacebuilding, and community resilience across Kenya and the Kenya–Somalia border. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Farhiya Hussein
Thursday, October 23, 2025

The award was announced during the AidEx Humanitarian and Development Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland.

A Kenyan peacebuilder and humanitarian worker has been named the AidEx Humanitarian Hero of the Year 2025, earning international recognition for his work in disaster relief, peacebuilding, and community resilience across Kenya and the Kenya-Somalia border.

The award was announced during the AidEx Humanitarian and Development Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland.

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It honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to humanitarian aid and development under the most challenging conditions.

The award noted that for more than a decade, Shee Kupi Shee has led grassroots initiatives linking disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding across fragile coastal and border communities.

His work has been particularly instrumental in Lamu County and parts of Kismayo, where he has coordinated local disaster response teams and trained volunteers in maritime rescue and early warning systems, helping save thousands of lives from floods, cyclones, and conflict-related displacement.

In his acceptance speech, Shee dedicated the award to those working on the frontlines of humanitarian crises.

“This award is not mine alone. It belongs to the brave men and women who have chosen service over fear and compassion over comfort. It honours every humanitarian who continues to act where it’s hardest, believing that humanity always wins.”

Shee’s leadership has been credited with advancing anticipatory humanitarian action, a proactive strategy aimed at preventing crises before they escalate.

Under his guidance, it was described that hundreds of community volunteers have been trained to identify risk signals and respond early to emergencies, reducing both loss of life and property in disaster-prone areas.

Reflecting on his journey, Shee recounted the personal risks faced during his humanitarian work.

“I have no regrets in taking risks for humanity, dodging landmines, sleeping in the cold, and even hiding in a military trench while serving conflict-affected communities. I know I am on the right track. I also have no regrets spending my own fare to Switzerland to receive this award on behalf of the many unsung heroes in my region and around the world who continue to serve without recognition.”

The 2025 honour adds to a growing list of accolades for the Lamu-based humanitarian. Among them are the Sasakawa UNDRR Award (2025) for disaster risk reduction, the ADA Award (2024) for saving over 20,000 people during floods, the Trailblazer Award (2024) from the Ministry of Gender for promoting Women, Peace and Security, and the IMRF Individual Contribution Award (2024) for excellence in maritime search and rescue.

He was also named National Hero of Kenya (2023) by the President and recognised as a Humanitarian Champion by the Kenya Red Cross.

Shee attributed much of his inspiration to his Rotary family and Peace Fellows, citing Rotary’s motto Service Above Self as a guiding principle in his humanitarian journey.

He further acknowledged the support of his partners, including the Kenya Red Cross, World Vision, WWF-Kenya, Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC-Kenya), The Heroes Council, and the County Government of Lamu.