Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) 2025 lit up Nairobi on Friday, April 10, 2026, as Kenya’s finest athletes were celebrated in a glittering ceremony held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, with track stars Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet emerging as the biggest winners.

In what was a repeat of last year’s triumph, Wanyonyi and Chebet were once again crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively, underlining their dominance on the global stage. 

Wanyonyi, who is the reigning world 800 metres champion, enjoyed a stellar 2025 season that saw him clinch his maiden world title before successfully defending his Diamond League crown. The Olympic 800m champion beat stiff competition from marathoner Sabastian Sawe and Harambee Stars forward Ryan Ogam.

World 5,000m and 10,000m recordholder Chebet, on the other hand, continued her remarkable run after securing a historic double in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the World Championships in Tokyo. Her exploits saw her retain the SOYA crown ahead of fierce rival Faith Kipyegon, who finished second, while 3,000m steeplechase world champion Faith Cherotich placed third.

In the disability categories, Ian Wambui Kahinga was named Sportsman of the Year, while para-athletics javelin star Sheila Wanyonyi, Africa’s record holder, clinched the Sportswoman of the Year accolade.

Volleyball continued to shine after Jackline Baraza guided the Junior Malkia Strikers to success, earning her the Coach of the Year award. The Junior Malkia Strikers also bagged the Women’s Team of the Year title, while Nairobi United Football Club were named Men’s Team of the Year.

At the grassroots level, Godfrey Simiyu of Moi Girls High School Kamusinga was honoured as School Coach of the Year for his role in nurturing handball talent. Moi Girls High School Kamusinga handball team was crowned School Team of the Year, while neighbouring St Luke’s Kimilili claimed the boys’ title.

Rising stars were also recognised, with volleyball star Marlin Terry Tata named Most Promising Girl and motorsport talent Shane Chandaria taking the Most Promising Boy award.

The ceremony also paid tribute to legends, with athletics icon Tegla Loroupe and rugby pioneer Edward Rombo inducted into the Hall of Fame. Their recognition highlighted decades of excellence and inspiration in Kenyan sport.

The 22^nd edition of the awards, founded by five-time World Cross Country champion Paul Tergat, also celebrated past achievements, with legendary paralympian Henry Wanyoike gracing the event after having launched this year’s edition last month.

In team categories from the previous year, Harambee Starlets were recognised as first runners-up, while the Kenya Lionesses finished second runners-up.

The ceremony once again underscored Kenya’s depth of talent across disciplines, with athletics maintaining its dominance while emerging sports and grassroots development continued to shape the country’s bright sporting future.