Kenya’s Kevin Getobai of Ololo Farm and Lodge has won the 2024 SDG Pioneer award by the United Nations Global Compact for his innovative work in sustainable agriculture.

Getobai, who becomes the third global winner from Kenya since 2019, received the award during the Leaders’ Summit held at the UN General Assembly, New York on Wednesday.

He won in the Africa Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Category for innovation in sustainable agricultural techniques to tackle food security and environmental sustainability.

The SDG Pioneers programme acclaims business professionals exceling in furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact on human rights, environment, labour and anti-corruption.

These individuals are feted for driving innovation through new technologies, initiatives, and business models, playing a critical position in helping the world to realise the SDGs by 2030.

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The 12 award winners were selected from Western Europe and North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Oceania.

Getobai was recognized for his work including using Black Soldier Flies (BSF) for organic waste composting and changing waste into valuable organic manure and animal protein.

His work in Kenya is aligned with with global targets to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030, showcasing how SMEs can drive impactful change in sustainable agriculture.

UN Global Compact CEO and Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo noted that these SDG Pioneers were leading the way in showcasing that business can be used as a force for good.

“Their innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to sustainability are inspiring examples of how the private sector can contribute to achieving the SDGs,” stated Ojiambo.

Global Compact Network Kenya Executive Director Judy Njino lauded Getobai for his win, showing to the world Kenya’s pledge to SDGs and setting a good example for businesses.

Entries by the SDG Pioneers were judged by an expert panel of UN Global Compact Board Members, alongside past SDG Pioneers and reps from academia and various UN agencies.