Lamu Official Shee Kupi Shee Named AidEx Humanitarian Hero of the Year 2025

By The COAST Reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Shee Kupi Shee, a distinguished humanitarian and peacebuilder from Kenya’s coastal region, has been named the AidEx Humanitarian Hero of the Year 2025, one of the world’s most respected honors recognizing exceptional individuals making outstanding contributions to humanitarian aid and development.

The award was presented during the AidEx Humanitarian and Development Summit held at Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland. It celebrated Shee’s remarkable commitment to saving lives, promoting peace, and strengthening resilience across fragile coastal and border communities of the marginalized Aweer society, refugees and vulnerable host community in Lamu County, Boni forest and borderland of the Kenya–Somalia community.

For over a decade, Shee has led community-driven disaster risk reduction and peacebuilding initiatives that connect humanitarian response, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment.

His work has directly supported vulnerable populations affected by floods, cyclones, and conflict-induced displacement, equipping them with the capacity to respond, recover, and rebuild sustainably.

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

Shee’s leadership has been central to advancing anticipatory humanitarian action: a proactive approach that prevents crises before they occur.

Under his coordination, hundreds of community volunteers have been trained in maritime rescue and early warning systems, saving scores of lives along Kenya’s coastline and in neighboring regions.

In a deeply moving reflection, Shee added:

“I have no regrets in taking risks for humanity : dodging landmines, sleeping in the cold, and even hiding in a military trench (handaki) while serving conflict-affected communities. I know I was on the right track. And today I 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.”

His 2025 AidEx recognition adds to an inspiring list of national and international honors, including:

-Sasakawa UNDRR Award 2025 – for advancing disaster risk reduction and resilience;

-National Hero of Kenya (2023) – declared by the President for promoting peace along the Kenya–Somalia border;

-ADA (Averted Disaster Award) Award 2024– for saving people during devastating floods through anticipatory humanitarian action;

-Trailblazer Award 2024 from the Ministry of Gender for promoting Women, Peace and Security;

-IMRF Individual Contribution Award 2024 for excellence in Maritime Search and Rescue operations;

-Kenya Red Cross Humanitarian Champion Award for outstanding national humanitarian leadership 2023;

-Devolution Warrior award by Council of Governors for innovative public participation 2023; and

-Community Empowerment Award by international college of peace studies 2023.

In his remarks, Shee also expressed gratitude to his Rotary family and Peace Fellows, acknowledging the Rotary values of Service Above Self as the enrichment of his humanitarian work.

He further thanked his partners and collaborators, including Kenya Red Cross, World Vision, WWF-Kenya, Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC-Kenya), KDF, NDOC, The Heroes Council kenya, and the County Government of Lamu’s Department of PSM where humanitarianism was born, for their steadfast support in advancing community resilience.

In a special way, Shee has acknowledged the support he received from Cimic Team-KDF manda base-OAB, from airlift, to security coverage and joint humanitarian intervention conducted, as a basis for this award.

“This recognition rekindles my passion to continue serving humanity, not just in Kenya, but wherever the call for compassion and resilience is heard,” he said. “It strengthens my resolve to do better and greater, and to keep building bridges of peace through preparedness, not just response.”Shee said in his acceptance speech while on stage in geneva.

What makes this recognition even more remarkable is that among the 11 global humanitarians shortlisted, most represented large international organizations with offices spanning over 180 countries worldwide.

Yet, Shee Kupi Shee, representing a small local organization with a single office in Kenya, emerged as the top-voted and celebrated humanitarian.

This outcome is a profound reminder that global impact can indeed rise from local initiatives, and that the strength of compassion, resilience, and genuine service transcends borders and resources.

About AidEx

The AidEx Humanitarian Hero of the Year Award is among the most prestigious global recognitions in the humanitarian sector.

It celebrates individuals who exemplify courage, innovation, and leadership in improving lives under the most challenging conditions.

As Kenya continues to face climate-related disasters and cross-border challenges, Shee’s victory symbolizes not only a personal triumph but also a regional and global milestone, a testament to the power of courage, compassion, and community leadership in shaping a more humane and resilient world.

Palexpo, Switzerland.