CNN Africa Correspondent Larry Madowo has selected grassroots advocate Daniel Musyoka as the beneficiary of his Human Rights Defender of the Year Award monetary token, channeling the global recognition toward disability inclusion efforts in Kenya.

Madowo, who was recently named Human Rights Defender of the Year, pledged to pass on the entirety of his $1,000 (approximately Sh129,000) cash prize to an emerging champion highlighting critical community issues.

He identified Musyoka, the co-founder of the Equitable Futures Think Tank, as a standout advocate whose grassroots human rights work drives policy and social change for vulnerable populations.

Musyoka will utilize the funding to advance his ongoing campaign for the rights of persons with disabilities, with a specific focus on the deaf community.

Over the past five years, he has carved out a unique niche within Disabled Persons Organisations by leveraging digital platforms, creative content creation, acting, and digital storytelling to translate complex legal and social information into accessible formats for deaf audiences.

His journey into full-time advocacy began in 2016 as a professional sign language interpreter relaying breaking news and current affairs.

Witnessing the severe information gaps faced by the deaf community during major national events sparked his commitment to inclusive communication.

Since then, he has used his skills to sensitize deaf individuals on civic issues, legal rights, and economic opportunities, ensuring that language barriers do not lead to societal exclusion.

According to the Defenders Coalition, Musyoka’s impact extends far beyond digital spaces.

He founded the Meru Deaf Women Empowerment Self-Help Group, creating a dedicated safe space in Meru County where deaf women access social and economic empowerment, learn vocational skills, and collectively advocate for their rights.

Additionally, Musyoka has successfully integrated deaf youth into the Nyota Program, an initiative providing critical access to education, mentorship, and professional development.

By guiding young people to utilize digital platforms for sustainable livelihoods, his work has already reached more than 1,500 deaf youth across the country, providing them with essential education on health, personal safety, and civic engagement.

By backing Musyoka’s initiative, Madowo’s prize money directly supports an advocate navigating resource constraints and policy neglect to build a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment for Kenyans living with disabilities.