Volunteerism contributes approximately 3.7% of the National Gross Product. The Volunteer of the Year Award is an annual event by The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in partnership with Volunteer Involving Organizations Society to recognize the outstanding efforts of Volunteers in Kenya and help promote the importance of volunteering in the community

The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in collaboration with the United Nations Volunteers Eastern and Southern Africa Regional office and Volunteer Involving Organizations Society-Kenya co-hosted the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional International Volunteer Day celebration in Kenya 2019 at the Railways sports club. The event also doubled up with the Volunteer of the Year Award which saw recognition of the valuable efforts of individuals who have selflessly volunteered for community development in East and Southern Africa region and there by encouraging further action.