Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year

Kenyan Sport Personality of the Year Awards, also known as SOYA Awards, are annual national awards given for sports personalities and organisations in Kenya. The awards were initiated in 2004 by Paul Tergat. The awards for each year are held at the beginning of the next year (e.g. 2008 awards took place in January 2009).

Awards winners

See footnote[1]

2004

2005

  • Sportsman of the year: Benjamin Limo (athletics)
  • Sportswoman of the year: Catherine Ndereba (athletics)
  • Sports team of the year (men): Kenya Chiba Ekiden relay team (athletics)
  • Sports team of the year (women): National volleyball team
  • Most Promising sportsman: Samuel Wanjiru (athletics)
  • Most Promising sportswoman: Veronica Nyaruai Wanjiru (athletics)
  • Hall of Fame inductee: Joe Kadenge (football)
  • Sports Federation: Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (general)
  • Special Category: Edwin Kipchumba (athletics, paralympic)

2006

2007

  • Sportsman of the year: Jason Dunford (swimming)
  • Sportswoman of the year: Janeth Jepkosgei (athletics)
  • Sports team of the year (men): Kenya national rugby sevens team
  • Sports team of the year (women): Junior World Cross Country team (athletics)
  • Most Promising sportsman: Asbel Kiprop (athletics)
  • Most Promising sportswoman: Ruth Bosibori (athletics)
  • Hall of Fame inductee: Paul Wekesa (tennis)
  • Sports Federation: Kenya Motorsports Foundation
  • Special Category (men): Abraham Tarbei (athletics, paralympic)
  • Special Category (women): Betty Cheruiyot (athletics, paralympic)
  • Community Hero: Tegla Loroupe (athletics, paralympic)

2008

2009

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Collins Injera Rugby union
Sportswoman of the year Linet Masai Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national rugby sevens team Rugby union
Sports team of the year (women) World Cross Country Championships team Athletics
Most Promising sportsman George Odhiambo Football
Most Promising sportswoman Mercy Cherono Athletics
Hall of Fame inductee Doris Wefwafwa Volleyball
Sports Federation Athletics Kenya Athletics
Special Category (men) David Kiptum Paralympic athletics
Special Category (women) Mary Nakhumicha Paralympic athletics
Community Hero Veronicah Osogo Tennis
Coach of the Year Benjamin Ayimba Rugby union
Schools category (boys) Laiser Hill Academy
Schools category (girls) Shimba Hills Secondary School

2010

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year David Rudisha Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Nancy Lagat Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Ulinzi Stars Football
Sports team of the year (women) Kenya Prisons Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Caleb Mwangangi Athletics
Most Promising sportswoman Mercy Cherono Athletics
Hall of Fame inductee Wilson Kiprugut Athletics
Sports Federation Athletics Kenya Athletics
Special Category (men) Collins Wandera Paralympic athletics
Special Category (women) Mary Nakhumicha Paralympic athletics
Community Hero Brother Colm O'Connell Athletics
Coach of the Year Zedekiah Otieno Football
Schools category (boys) Kerugoya
Schools category (girls) Malava

2011

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Patrick Makau Musyoki Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Vivian Cheruiyot Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Tusker FC Football
Sports team of the year (women) Kenya Prisons Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Shivan Vinayak Motocross
Most Promising sportswoman Naomi Wafula Golf
Hall of Fame inductee Robbie Armstrong Cricket
Sports Federation Athletics Kenya Athletics
Special Category (men) Abraham Cheruiyot Tarbei Paralympic athletics
Special Category (women) Jennifer Mutuko Paralympic athletics
Community Hero Rose Naliaka Golf
Coach of the Year Sammy Omollo Football
Schools category (boys) Laiser Hill Academy
Schools category (girls) Archbishop Njenga Girls High School

2012

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year David Lekuta Rudisha Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Mary Keitany Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Tusker FC Football
Sports team of the year (women) Kenya women's national under-20 football team Football
Most Promising sportsman Timothy Kitum Athletics
Most Promising sportswoman Faith Kipyegon Athletics
Hall of Fame inductee Tekla Chemabwai Athletics
Comeback of the Year Pamela Jelimo Athletics
Special Category (men) Abraham Cheruiyot Tarbei Paralympic athletics
Special Category (women) Mary Nakhumicha Zakayo Paralympic athletics
Coach of the Year Caroline Kola Athletics
Schools category (boys) St. Anthony Boys High School
Schools category (girls) Malava Girls Secondary School Volleyball

2013

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Ezekiel Kemboi Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Edna Kiplagat Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national rugby sevens team Rugby 7s
Sports team of the year (women) Kenya Prisons Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Tejas Hirani Motorsports
Most Promising sportswoman Emily Muteti Swimming
Hall of Fame inductee Philip Waruinge Boxing
Sports Federation Kenya Secondary Schools Association
Comeback of the Year Roselyn Odhiambo Volleyball
Special Category (men) Simon Cherono Paralympic athletics
Special Category (women) Beryl Atieno Paralympic athletics
Schools category (boys) Upper Hill School Basketball
Schools category (girls) Kwanthanze High School Volleyball

2014

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Caleb Ndiku Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Eunice Sum Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) KCB RC Rugby union
Sports team of the year (women) Telkom Orange Hockey Club Hockey
Most Promising sportsman Ronald Kwemoi Athletics
Most Promising sportswoman Chanelle Wangari Golf
Sports Federation Kenya Volleyball Federation Volleyball
Comeback of the Year Innocent Simiyu Rugby union
Sportsman with a disability Nikhil Sachania Motorsports
Sportswoman with a disability Jane Wambui Paralympic athletics
Coach of the Year Jos Openda Hockey
Schools category (boys) Friends School Kamusinga
Schools category (girls) Shimba Hills Secondary School

2015

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Julius Yego Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Hyvin Kiyeng Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Gor Mahia FC Football
Sports team of the year (women) Malkia Strikers Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Kumari Taki Athletics
Most Promising sportswoman Agnes Tirop Athletics
Hall of Fame Brian Hokins
Violet Barasa
John Mucheru		 Shooting
Volleyball
Golf
Sports Federation Kenya Volleyball Federation Volleyball
Comeback of the Year David Lung’aho Rugby
Sportsman with a disability Onesmus Mutinda Paralympic athletics
Sportswoman with a disability Susan Gatwiri Paralympic athletics
Coach of the Year David Lung’aho Volleyball
Outstanding performer (boy) David Paristao
Outstanding performer (girl) Judith Nkatha Tennis
Schools category (boys) Laiser Hill Academy
Schools category (girls) Sinyolo Girls Secondary School

2016

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Eliud Kipchoge Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Vivian Cheruiyot Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national rugby sevens team Rugby 7s
Sports team of the year (women) Harambee Starlets Football
Most Promising sportsman Kipyegon Bett Athletics
Most Promising sportswoman Mwanalima Adam Jereko Football
Hall of Fame Jackson Omaido
Naftali Temu		 Rugby
Athletics
Sports Federation Tennis Kenya Tennis
Sportsman with a disability Samuel Muchai Paralympic athletics
Sportswoman with a disability Nancy Chelangat Koech Paralympic athletics
Coach of the Year Jos Openda Hockey
Outstanding performer (boy) Allan Singar Table tennis
Outstanding performer (girl) Hadassah Gichovi Swimming
Schools category (boys) Kamusinga Hockey
Schools category (girls) Kaya Tiwi High School Basketball
School Coach of the Year Philip Onyango Basketball

2017

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Conseslus Kipruto Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Hellen Obiri Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national under-19 cricket team Cricket
Sports team of the year (women) Lionesses Rugby
Most Promising sportsman Aman Gandhi (cricketer) Cricket
Most Promising sportswoman Jackline Wambui Athletics
Hall of Fame Stephen Muchoki
Allan Thigo 		Boxing
Football
Sports Federation Athletics Kenya Athletics
Sportsman with a disability Samuel Muchai Paralympic athletics
Sportswoman with a disability Beryl Wamira Paralympic athletics
Coach of the Year Jimmy Kamande Cricket
Outstanding performer (boy) Emmanuel Ndonga Swimming
Outstanding performer (girl) Faith Nyabera Tennis
Schools category (boys) Muhuri Muchiri High School Rugby 7s
Schools category (girls) Wiyeta Girls Secondary School Football
School Coach of the Year Kikechi Kombo Rugby 7s

2018

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Eliud Kipchoge Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Beatrice Chepkoech Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Harambee Stars Football
Sports team of the year (women) Telkom Kenya Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Edward Zakayo Athletics
Most Promising sportswoman Angella Okutoyi Tennis
Sports Federation Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association
Sportsman with a disability Dickson Onduari Handball
Sportswoman with a disability Jane Ndenga Wheelchair tennis
Coach of the Year Kevin Wambua Rugby
Schools category (boys) Laiser Hill Academy Rugby
Schools category (girls) Kwale Girls High School Football

2019

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Eliud Kipchoge Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Hellen Obiri Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) KCB Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) Malaika Strikers Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Geoffrey Okwach Rugby
Most Promising sportswoman Jentrix Shikangwa Football
Sports Federation Kenya Special Olympics
Special Category (men) Samwel Mushai Kimani Athletics
Special Category (women) Catherine Nyaga ??
Community Hero Johanna Omolo Football
Coach of the Year Paul Bitok Athletics
Most Outstanding Player (boys) Stephen Ndegwa Swimming
Most Outstanding Player (girls) Maria Biranchi Swimming
Schools category (boys) Kakamega High School Rugby
Schools category (girls) Kwanthanze Secondary School Volleyball
School Coach Justin Kigwari – Kwanthanze Secondary School Volleyball

2021

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Ferdinand Omanyala Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Faith Kipyegon Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national rugby sevens team Rugby Sevens
Sports team of the year (women) Vihiga Queens Football
Most Promising Boy Heristone Wafula Athletics
Most Promising Girl Teresia Muthoni Gateri Athletics
Coach of the Year Charles Okere Football

2022

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Eliud Kipchoge Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Faith Kipyegon Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kabras Sugar Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) KCB Volleyball
Most Promising Boy Andrew Wahome Golf
Most Promising Girl Madina Okot Basketball
Coach of the Year Japheth Munala Volleyball

2023

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Kelvin Kiptum Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Faith Kipyegon Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kabras Sugar Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) Women's national 3x3 team Basketball
Most Promising Boy Ishmael Kipkurui Athletics
Most Promising Girl Valerie Nekesa Football
Coach of the Year Evelyn Kidogo Basketball
School team of the year (boys) Koyonzo High School Rugby
School team of the year (girls) Kwanthanze High School Volleyball
School Coach of the year Isaac Muresia Volleyball

2024

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Emmanuel Wanyonyi Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Beatrice Chebet Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Nairobi City Thunder Basketball
Sports team of the year (women) Junior Starlets Football
Most Promising Boy Ishmael Kipkurui Athletics
Most Promising Girl Valerie Nekesa Football
Coach of the Year Mildred Cheche Football
School team of the year (boys) All Saints Embu High School Rugby
School team of the year (girls) Kesogon Secondary School Volleyball
School Coach of the year Benson Mwenda Rugby

Individual winners

Year Sportsman of the Year Sportswoman of the Year Ref.
Winner Sport Winner Sport
2004 Henry Wanyoike Athletics Catherine Ndereba Athletics [2]
2005 Benjamin Limo Athletics Catherine Ndereba (2) Athletics [3]
2006 Alex Kipchirchir Athletics Janeth Jepkosgei Athletics [4]
2007 Jason Dunford Swimming Janeth Jepkosgei (2) Athletics [5]
2008 Samuel Wanjiru Athletics Pamela Jelimo Athletics [6]
2009 Collins Injera Rugby union Linet Masai Athletics [7]
2010 David Rudisha Athletics Nancy Lagat Athletics [8]
2011 Patrick Makau Athletics Vivian Cheruiyot Athletics [9]
2012 David Rudisha (2) Athletics Mary Keitany Athletics [10]
2013 Ezekiel Kemboi Athletics Edna Kiplagat Athletics [11]
2014 Caleb Ndiku Athletics Eunice Sum Athletics [12]
2015 Julius Yego Athletics Hyvin Kiyeng Athletics [13]
2016 Eliud Kipchoge Athletics Vivian Cheruiyot (2) Athletics [14]
2017 Conseslus Kipruto Athletics Hellen Obiri Athletics [15]
2018 Eliud Kipchoge (2) Athletics Beatrice Chepkoech Athletics [16]
2019 Eliud Kipchoge (3) Athletics Hellen Obiri (2) Athletics [17]
2021 Ferdinand Omanyala Athletics Faith Kipyegon Athletics [18]
2022 Eliud Kipchoge (4) Athletics Faith Kipyegon (2) Athletics [19]
2023 Kelvin Kiptum Athletics Faith Kipyegon (3) Athletics [20]
2024 Emmanuel Wanyonyi Athletics Beatrice Chebet Athletics [21]

See also

References

  1. ^ Soya Awards official website
  2. ^ "Stars for Soya Award: Wanyama faces challenge from rugby Sevens' Ambaka, Kemboi". StandardMedia.co.ke. 5 December 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  3. ^ "SOYA Winners 2005". SOYAAwards.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  4. ^ "SOYA Winners 2006". SOYAAwards.com. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  5. ^ "SOYA Winners 2007". SOYAAwards.com. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  6. ^ "SOYA Winners 2008". SOYAAwards.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2010. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  7. ^ "SOYA Winners 2009". SOYAAwards.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  8. ^ "SOYA Winners 2010". SOYAAwards.com. Archived from the original on 13 September 2008. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  9. ^ Mwenda, Wanjiku (15 December 2011). "Makau and Cheruiyot bag top SOYA titles". MichezoAfrika.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  10. ^ "King Rudisha crowned Kenya's finest 2012 sport". SportsNewsArena.com. 6 December 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  11. ^ Abuga, Amos (10 December 2013). "Kemboi, Kiplagat scoop top SOYA awards". MichezoAfrika.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  12. ^ Isaboke, Alex (16 January 2015). "Kenya: Mwangangi Crowned 2014 Soya Winner". AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  13. ^ Isaboke, Alex (16 January 2016). "Yego crowned 2015 SOYA winner". CapitalFM.co.ke. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  14. ^ "Cheruiyot named 2016 Sports Personality of the year during Soya Awards". kutv.co.ke. 20 January 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  15. ^ "Paralympian Samuel Muchai Scoops Overall Title At 2017 SOYA Awards". www.radiojambo.co.ke. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  16. ^ Isabirye, David (12 January 2019). "Kipchoge, Harambee Stars smile big at 2018 Soya awards in Kenya". Kawowo Sports. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  17. ^ "Full list of 2019 SOYA awards winners". Citizen News Line. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  18. ^ Komen, Jonathan (26 January 2022). "Kipyegon, Omanyala wear SOYA award crowns". The Standard. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  19. ^ Isaboke, Alex (20 January 2023). "Best of the best: Kipchoge, Kipyegon named 2022 Kenya's finest at SOYA". Capital Sports. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  20. ^ "Kelvin Kiptum Wins 2023 Sportsman Of The Year Award – Kenyatta University TV (KUTV). All Rights Reserved". kutv.co.ke. 3 March 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  21. ^ ISABOKE, ALEX (17 April 2025). "Olympic Conquerors Beatrice Chebet, Emmanuel Wanyonyi Reign Supreme At 2024 SOYA". Capital Sports. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
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