Kenya’s Kevin Getobai(second right) With Other Participants at the Awards Gala in New York
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A Kenyan farm manager was honoured on Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the USA for leading the best innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
Kevin Getobai, the manager of Ololo Farm and Lodge in Kenya, has been recognized for his innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. Getobai was named one of the 2024 Standard Developmental Goals (SDG) Pioneer winners by the United Nations Global Compact, receiving the prestigious award during the Leaders Summit in New York. This accolade marks him as the third global winner from Kenya since 2019, specifically in the Africa Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) category. Getobai's transformative work in sustainable agriculture, which addresses food security and environmental sustainability, caught the attention of the jurists.
His innovative approach includes the use of Black Soldier Flies (BSF) for organic waste composting, a process that converts waste into valuable organic manure and animal protein. This unique method stood out among the 12 other contestants, primarily from regions outside Africa, who were vying for recognition of their impactful innovations in sustainable agriculture. Ololo Farm and Lodge offers a distinctive blend of luxury and sustainability. Located in Kenya, it provides exclusive accommodation and camping services for both locals and tourists. The property can host up to 35 guests at a rate of 1.3 million Kenyan shillings per night, with a minimum booking of two people.
This eco-conscious destination has become popular among travelers seeking a luxurious yet sustainable experience. The SDG Pioneer awards, organized by the United Nations Global Compact, aim to recognize business professionals who advance the Sustainable Development Goals through innovative solutions and business models. The program focuses on professionals at any level in companies participating in the UN Global Compact. Winners were selected from various regions, including Western Europe and North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Oceania.
Sanda Ojiambo, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact commends Getobai for his unique approach to business. She praises his work for showcasing Kenya's commitment to sustainable development and setting an exemplary standard for how businesses can be a force for good. Ojiambo emphasizes that the SDG Pioneers are leading the way in demonstrating the positive impact businesses can have, with their innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to sustainability serving as inspiring examples of private sector contributions to achieving the SDGs. The recognition of individuals like Getobai is part of the United Nations' broader efforts to promote global sustainable development.
The UN Global Compact aims to inspire more businesses to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs by 2030. The Leaders Summit at the UN General Assembly, where Getobai received his award, is a significant event that brings together global leaders, business professionals, and innovators. It provides a platform for sharing best practices, forging partnerships, and exploring new solutions to global challenges. This year's summit focused on accelerating progress towards the SDGs, with particular emphasis on innovative solutions and the role of the private sector.