Kenyan among five 2012 Rolex Laureates

Aggrey Otieno hosting a Radio Show
(Photo Courtesy of Pambazukomashinani.org)

Aggrey Willis Otieno was among five individuals that were named to receive the 2012 Rolex Global Award for Enterprise on Wednesday in London. The award ceremony will take place on 27^th November 2012 in New Delhi, India.

The five Laureates from their respective continents have been honored because of their projects, which are driven to touch humanity, protect endangered wildlife and the ecosystems.

Aggrey Otieno was born and bred in Korogocho slums before later joining Ohio University in the United States. He came up with an innovative solution for pregnant women living far from medical facilities and clinics.

He was honored for his remarkable efforts in increasing access to obstetric care for pregnant women and their babies by establishing a Telemedicine Centre in Korogocho. He will become the first Kenyan to win the prestigious award.

The other recipients are Erika Cuellar of Bolivia, Mark Kendall of Australia, Sergei Bereznuk of Russia, and Barbara Block of the United States.

They will each receive cash rewards of 100,000 Swiss Francs (approx Ksh 8.9 million) and a luxury Rolex chronometer wristwatch.

Rolex Awards for Enterprise were founded in 1976 to recognize and give support to people with exception ideas in the fields of science and health, exploration and discovery, applied technology, the environment and preservation of cultural heritage.