Larry Madowo Wins Human Rights Defender of the Year Award, Donates Ksh129,000 Cash Prize 

Acclaimed CNN correspondent Larry Madowo has been honoured with the Human Rights Defender of the Year award, a recognition celebrating his fearless journalism and commitment to amplifying marginalised voices. The award comes with a cash prize of $1,000 (approximately Ksh129,000), which Madowo has pledged to donate in full to a young Kenyan journalist.

Madowo made the announcement shortly after receiving the award, “I was honoured to accept my Human Rights Defender of the Year award today. Ahsante sana 🥹 It comes with a $1,000 cash prize (Ksh129,000). I will donate the full amount to a young journalist anywhere in Kenya who highlights issues in their community,” Madowo said.

The veteran journalist, who currently serves as CNN’s correspondent based in Nairobi, has built a career on investigative reporting, holding power to account, and telling stories that centre on justice, inequality, and human dignity. His work has consistently shed light on underreported issues across Africa and the world.

He opened the floor to public nominations, inviting journalists to put themselves or their peers forward. “Please nominate yourself or someone in the comments and explain why,” he added.