Nairobi’s iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) is set to ignite with star power on April 16, 2025, as Kenya’s most prestigious sports celebration—the 21st Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA)—honors the titans of athletics under the electrifying theme, “Celebrating Women’s Excellence in Sports.”
With 11 categories spanning from trailblazing Olympians to visionary coaches and unstoppable para-athletes, this year’s gala promises a dazzling tribute to the grit, grace, and glory of Kenya’s sporting heroes.
A Stage for Women’s Triumphs
Five-time World Cross Country legend and SOYA founder Paul Tergat unveiled plans for a milestone edition, declaring 2025 the year to “amplify the roar of women in sports.”
From the track to the podium, female athletes dominate the nominations, led by Beatrice Chebet—a 25-year-old phenom who shattered two world records (10,000m and 5km) and claimed double Olympic gold in Paris.
She faces fierce competition from marathon queen Hellen Obiri, world-record holder Ruth Chepngetich, and track icons Faith Kipyegon—who reclaimed her 1500m throne—and rising star Faith Cherotich.
Men’s Category: A Clash of Titans
The Sportsman of the Year race pulses with drama. Boxing hero Boniface Mugunde, who ended Kenya’s eight-year African title drought, battles basketball MVP Albert Odero, Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Tokyo Marathon dominator Benson Kipruto, and history-making Ronald Kwemoi—the first Kenyan in 17 years to medal in the Olympic 5000m.
Beyond the Podium: A Vision for Legacy
Tergat revealed bold ambitions to transform SOYA into a year-round movement. “This isn’t just a gala—it’s a launchpad,” he said, teasing initiatives to empower athletes beyond their prime.
Sponsors and partners earned praise for fueling two decades of dreams, as the awards evolve to nurture futures as fiercely as they celebrate present triumphs.
From the Kenya Women Amputee Football Team to volleyball giants Malkia Strikers, team categories roar with collective spirit.
Schools like All Saints Embu (rugby) and Kesogon Secondary (girls’ teams) showcase tomorrow’s champions, while para-athletes Sheila Wanyonyi and Samson Ojuka redefine resilience.
As Nairobi polishes its trophies, the world watches.
Will Beatrice Chebet’s record-shattering year crown her queen? Can Mugunde’s fists outpace Wanyonyi’s lightning legs? One truth is unshakable: On April 16, Kenya’s sporting soul will blaze brighter than ever.
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