Ex-governor Sonko bags two humanitarian awards

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has once again found himself in the international spotlight, not for politics, but for his humanitarian work.

In a week marked by celebration and recognition, Sonko received two global awards that cement his growing reputation as a champion for the underprivileged.

The awards were presented in two separate ceremonies held at his Upper Hill office in Nairobi.

In the first, Sonko was honoured with the Civility Voice Diplomats Global Humanitarian Award.

The accolade was handed over by Dr. Edina Kangwana, a member of the Lead Vetting Committee, and Ambassador Dominic Obadiah, who serves as the President and Founder of Civility Voice Diplomats.

They praised Sonko’s “unwavering dedication to promoting peace, civility, and humanitarian values globally,” describing him as a figure whose influence transcends national boundaries.

Shortly after, another recognition followed — the I Change Nations Builders In Action Legacy Award.

This award, presented by Dr. Reuben West and Dr. Clyde Rivers, the ICN Special Envoy and President respectively, acknowledged Sonko for what they termed “selfless sacrifices in time and resources to improve lives”.

The presenters hailed him as a leader whose impact could be felt in both policy and practical outreach.

Responding to the honours, Sonko expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to service.

“I extend my sincere gratitude for this recognition,” he said.

“I remain committed to supporting underprivileged communities and driving change where it is most needed.”

These two awards add to a long list of global recognitions Sonko has collected over the years.

His philanthropic record has been acknowledged across multiple platforms.

He was previously awarded an honorary degree by the European Digital University in 2019 for promoting community goodwill.

In France, he received the Milan Pact Award for developing a food insecurity early warning tool, and a U.S.-based organisation, No End To Love, recognised him for rescuing a toddler following a tragic fire incident in Mathare.

His work with the Sonko Rescue Team earned him the East African Humanitarian Personality of the Year award, and the World Peace and Diplomacy Organisation honoured him in Los Angeles with the World Peace Messenger Award.

He has also been appointed a Good Deeds Goodwill Ambassador in Kenya and made an honorary member of the International Police Association.

Over the years, Sonko has crafted a unique brand of activism, one that merges his political experience with direct interventions in the lives of ordinary people.

From paying hospital bills and school fees to leading emergency response efforts, his approach has remained grounded in community needs, often bypassing formal systems to offer rapid, on-the-ground support.

“These awards are not just honours,” he said.

“They are a call to keep serving.”

As his global recognition grows, Sonko insists that his mission is far from complete.

The accolades, he says, are simply fuel to keep pushing forward, to reach more people, and to deepen his impact where it is needed most.