A DUBLIN woman has been honoured by the Kenyan government for her work with the Maasai community in the southern part of the Rift Valley.
Elaine Bannon was presented with the Order of the Golden Warrior of Kenya medal by the country’s foreign affairs minister, Moses Wetang’ula.
Ms Bannon has worked in the Rombo region near the border with Tanzania since moving to Kenya in 2003. Since then she has helped the local community initiate development projects and build schools, wells and clinics. She established an NGO named the Light of the Maasai, and acquired funding for it through the Rotary Club of Dublin Central.
“It is for these selfless humanitarian efforts that have made a positive impact in the lives of ordinary Kenyans in Rombo, that Elaine Bannon was nominated to receive the award of the Order of the Golden Warrior of Kenya by the president,” the Kenyan Embassy in Dublin said in a statement.
Presenting Ms Bannon with the award in Nairobi this week, Mr Wetang’ula praised her “selfless efforts”. He said it was only through actual interaction with rural communities that NGOs can understand the problems faced by people living in such areas.
Speaking to The Irish Timesfrom Rombo last night, Ms Bannon said she was "very touched and honoured" to receive such an award in what she refers to as her "adopted home".