KENYAN AMONG FINALISTS FOR CNN HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD
A Kenyan has been nominated for this year’s CNN Hero of the Year, an award that seeks to celebrate individuals who make extraordinary contributions in the society.
Umra Omar is the founder of Safari Doctors, an institution that delivers free healthcare to people living in remote areas of Lamu County, is among the nine nominees for the award.
Ms Omar and a group of other, travel by boat, road or air to bring medical care to people living along the insecure regions of the country.
Omar, who lived in the US, moved back to Kenya in 2010 because of what she termed as “a a sense of responsibility.”
FINANCIAL REWARD
Raised in Kenya, she had earned degrees from two prestigious American schools, completed graduate school and was working full-time in Washington, D.C. But Omar says cubicle life wasn’t for her; she was longing to return to her native country.
The award ceremony is set for December 11 in New York. Each of the top nominees will be awarded $10,000 (Sh 1 million) while the winner of the CNN Hero of the Year will receive an additional $100,000 (Sh 10 million).
“After 10 years, and nearly 300 Heroes, we are so grateful to continue honoring those making such an impact in their communities, and to help them continue their work,” said Kelly Flynn, creator and senior executive producer of CNN Heroes.
-nairobinews.nation.co.ke
KENYAN AMONG FINALISTS FOR CNN HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD
