As a recognition of their truly remarkable contribution towards sustainable development, the Global Compact Network Kenya named Yvonne Kirigo, MP Shah Hospital Strategy and Innovation Manager, and Kevin Getobai, Ololo Farm Project Manager, as 2024 Country SDG Pioneers.
From over 27 nominations, Kirigo and Getobai have done a lot in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. With his leadership, the MP Shah Hospital green initiatives championed by Kirigo on e-waste collection, energy efficiency, renewable energy uptake, and water efficiency projects have greatly cut down the hospital’s environmental footprint.
Getobai’s work at Ololo Farm has equally borne fruit. He connects regenerative and sustainable agriculture by shortening the composting process from six months down to only 14 days using the Black Soldier Fly. This innovation not only saves CO2 but also produces protein from waste. Currently, Ololo Farm saves approximately 47.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalence, diverts 25 tonnes of food waste from landfills, and produces 2.5 tonnes of protein from waste annually.
Global Compact Network Kenya Executive Director Judy Njino commended their commitment, saying, “Their commitment to the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact epitomizes the innovative and resilient spirit required in the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Their work will surely inspire others to build a sustainable future.”.
As national winners, Kirigo and Getobai will progress to the Global round to compete for the 2024 UN Global Compact SDG Pioneer. The global winners are set to be announced in September during the UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit in New York.
The SDG Pioneers program is a flagship event, honoring professionals whose ingenuity is applying innovative solutions of new technologies, initiatives, and business models to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director of UN Global Compact, prays that their work may inspire others to advance the Global Goals by operationalizing the Ten Principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.