There are countless individuals and groups in Kenya dedicating their lives to serving their communities in their own quiet, yet heroic ways. They are not celebrities, but their inspiring efforts deserve acknowledgment and appreciation. Giraffe Heroes Kenya  seeks to identify and celebrate these ‘unsung’ heroes in Kenya. By reaching out to everyday people from around the country, we would like to show that everyone can make a positive change in their society with what they have, if only they take action! 

We believe that by shining a spotlight on these remarkable individuals, we can inspire others to stick their necks out too, and help solve significant public problems.

To be named a Giraffe, a nominee individual, must have taken a significant risk for the common good.

Nominations can be done by individuals or organizations but NOT self nomination. 

 SELECTION CRITERIA

Significant Risk – Giraffe Heroes should have acted or broken through in the presence of fear e.g. of physical harm, severe financial loss, legal repercussions, professional exclusion etc.

Common Good – Broadly speaking, working for the common good means alleviating suffering, rectifying injustice or advancing goals such as peace or a healthy environment.

Other relevant criteria

The judges have the discretion to select a nominees after taking into account the background and personality of the nominee, and other highly subjective factors including:-

i.  Individuals that have received little or no previous recognition for their work.

ii. A Giraffe's actions must be of benefit to a significant number of people, either as beneficiaries of the action or as people who may be inspired to emulate the Giraffe.

iii. Giraffes do break the law some times. But they do so without violence, with a willingness to accept the consequences, and with respect for the 'opposition.' Lawbreakers should have utilized all legal and political courses of action prior to their lawbreaking actions, and have continued to do so since their arrest.

iv. It's fine if a candidate sues to recover losses or to force an institution or individual to begin acting for the common good. But people who try to profit personally by suing for punitive damages will not be considered. Those who sue for punitive damages are only eligible if the money they receive is used directly and entirely to alleviate the conditions which brought about the lawsuit. e.g. A Giraffe's lawsuits force polluters to clean-up the messes they've made, cease and desist polluting, and pay big fines that go to environmental groups in the affected region, not to the Giraffe.

v. Trained professionals doing their work within the boundaries of paid employment can qualify only if their service to others goes very far above and beyond the de facto standards of their profession.

vi.  Willingness and opportunity to participate in Giraffe Heroes events and initiatives.