Ms. Grace Githu was one of the pioneer human rights activists in Kenya. She was involved in the formation of most of the leading human rights organizations in Kenya today and until her death, headed one of the leading human rights organizations in Kenya, The Institute for Education in Democracy.

In her case, this was the first time the award was made posthumously. This was in recognition for her great contribution to democracy in Kenya and the rest of the world through her work of advocating for free and fair electoral systems.

Ms. Githu was involved in election observation in Kenya, Africa and other parts of the world. She was a board member of the International Federation of Election Systems and of several local human rights organizations.