The United Nations has awarded the 2007 UN in Kenya Person of the Year' to Abbas Gullet, Secretary General of Kenya Red Cross Society.
In a statement issued on Tuesday ahead of the UN Day which falls on Wednesday, UN Resident Coordinator Elizabeth Lwanga said Gullet was recognized for his key contributions in making the relief organization the best one.
"Today the United Nations family in Kenya recognizes Abbas Gullet for his important contributions in making the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) the first place the Government of Kenya and locally-based humanitarian organizations look to for leadership in times of national emergencies," said Lwanga.
Lwanga added that "it is also our judgment that Gullet's many years of professional and personal sacrifice exhibits a character of extraordinary accomplishment, integrity and courage - and one determined to relieve human suffering and misery in his country. "
She said Gullet's timely interventions and leadership has made the KRCS the leading national humanitarian organization in the country, recognized across the world as one of the best performing National Red Cross Societies, and an example of what local relief groups can achieve.
Under his leadership, the KRCS has experienced phenomenal growth. With regional warehouses around the country, offices linked by radio, telephone and Internet, the KRCS has the capacity to handle 120,000 people in situations requiring humanitarian intervention.
After taking a leave of absence from the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) in Geneva, Gullet took the helms of the organization for the first time in 2001.
"I am indeed honored to be selected for this auspicious commendation on behalf of thousands of dedicated and selfless volunteers who have given their lives to serve humanity," said Gullet who will be honored on Wednesday in Nairobi.
He added that the award was "a reflection of years of alleviating human suffering among millions of Kenyans".
This is the sixth time the UN Family in Kenya has collectively honored an individual as part of its celebrations of UN Day, which is held every year on October 24.
This year's runner-up is Josephine Mumo Nzioka,the driving force behind the Stara Rescue Center and School in Nairobi's sprawling Kibera slum.
Source: Xinhua
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