SOYA Awards
The SOYA Awards, also known as the Sport Personality of the Year Award, are annual national awards given for sports personalities and organisations in Kenya.[1] The awards were initiated in 2004 by Paul Tergat.[2][3] The awards for each year are held at the beginning of the next year (e.g. awards for 2008 are presented in January 2009).[2] Winners must be a native of Kenya.[2]
Winners by year
[edit]2004
[edit]Following are the 2004 SOYA winners.
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Henry Wanyoike | Athletics | [2] |
| Sportswoman of the year | Catherine Ndereba | Athletics | [2] |
| Sports team of the year (men) | Kenya national rugby sevens team | Rugby | |
| Sports team of the year (women) | National volleyball team | Volleyball | |
| Most Promising sportsman | Brimin Kipruto | Athletics | |
| Hall of Fame | Kipchoge Keino | Athletics |
2005
[edit]Following are the 2005 SOYA winners.[4]
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Benjamin Limo | Athletics | |
| Sportswoman of the year | Catherine Ndereba | Athletics | [2] |
| Sports team of the year (men) | Kenya Chiba Ekiden relay team | Athletics | |
| Sports team of the year (women) | National volleyball team | Volleyball | |
| Most Promising sportsman | Samuel Wanjiru | Long distance running | |
| Most Promising sportswoman | Veronica Nyaruai Wanjiru | Running | |
| Hall of Fame | Joe Kadenge | Football | |
| Sports Federation | Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association | General | |
| Special Category | Edwin Kipchumba | Paralympic |
2006
[edit]Following are the 2006 SOYA winners.[4]
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Alex Kipchirchir | Athletics | |
| Sportswoman of the year | Janeth Jepkosgei | Athletics | [2] |
| Sports team of the year (men) | Junior World Cross Country team | Athletics | |
| Sports team of the year (women) | Kenya Commercial Bank | Volleyball | |
| Most Promising sportsman | David Dunford | Swimming | [2] |
| Most Promising sportswoman | Pauline Korikwiang | Athletics | |
| Hall of Fame | Hardial Singh | Field hockey | |
| Sports Federation | Athletics Kenya | ||
| Special Category | Francis Thuo | Paralympic |
2007
[edit]Following are the 2007 SOYA winners.[4]
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Jason Dunford | Swimming | |
| Sportswoman of the year | Janeth Jepkosgei | Athletics | [2] |
| Sports team of the year (men) | Kenya national rugby sevens team | Rugby | |
| 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 | Paralympic | |
| Special Category (women) | Betty Cheruiyot | Paralympic | |
| Community Hero | Tegla Loroupe | {aralympic |
2008
[edit]Following are the 2008 SOYA winners.[4]
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Samuel Wanjiru | Athletics | |
| Sportswoman of the year | Pamela Jelimo | Athletics | |
| Sports team of the year (men) | Kenya national rugby sevens team | Rugby | |
| Sports team of the year (women) | Kenya Prisons | Volleyball | |
| Most Promising sportsman | Josephat Bett | Athletics | |
| Most Promising sportswoman | Achieng Ajulu-Bushell | Swimming | |
| Hall of Fame inductee | Jonathan Niva | Football | |
| Sports Federation | Kenya Rugby Football Union | Football | |
| Special Category (men) | Henry Kiprono Kirwa | Paralympic | |
| Special Category (women) | Mary Nakhumicha Zakayo | Paralympic | |
| Community Hero | Juma Abdalla Kent | Basketball | |
| Coach of the Year | Julius Kirwa | Athletics |
2009
[edit]Following are the 2009 SOYA winners.[4]
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Collins Injera | Rugby union | [2] |
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2010 SOYA winners.[4]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2011 SOYA winners.[5]
| 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 | 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 | |
| Fair play | Priscah Cheptoo | |
| Outstanding performance of the year | Ezekiel Kemboi |
2012
[edit]Following are the 2010 SOYA winners.[4][6]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2013 SOYA winners.[7]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2014 SOYA winners.[4][8]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2015 SOYA winners.[4][9]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2016 SOYA winners.[4]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2017 SOYA winners.[10]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2018 SOYA winners.[11]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2019 SOYA winners.[12]
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2021 SOYA winners.[13]
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Ferdinand Omanyala | Athletics | |
| Sportswoman of the year | Faith Kipyegon | Athletics | [14] |
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2022 SOYA winners.[15]
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Eliud Kipchoge | Athletics | |
| Sportswoman of the year | Faith Kipyegon | Athletics | [14] |
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2023 SOYA winners.[16]
| Category | Winner | Sport | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman of the year | Kelvin Kiptum | Athletics | [14] |
| Sportswoman of the year | Faith Kipyegon | Athletics | [14] |
| 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
[edit]Following are the 2024 SOYA winners.[17]
| 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 |
| Sportsman with disability | Michelle Cheng'etich | Para-athlietics |
| Sportswoman with disability | Samson Ojuka | Para-athlietics |
| 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 |
| Hall of Fame | John Bobby Ogolla | Football |
Overall winners
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "SOYA Background". Sports Personality of the Year Award. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Stars for Soya Award: Wanyama faces challenge from rugby Sevens' Ambaka, Kemboi". Standard Digital. 5 December 2013. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
- ↑ "Message From The Founder". SOYA Awards. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Previous Winners". SOYA Awards. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
- 1 2 Mwenda, Wanjiku (15 December 2011). "Makau and Cheruiyot bag top SOYA titles". MichezoAfrika.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
- 1 2 "King Rudisha crowned Kenya's finest 2012 sport". SportsNewsArena.com. 6 December 2012. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
- 1 2 Abuga, Amos (10 December 2013). "Kemboi, Kiplagat scoop top SOYA awards". MichezoAfrika.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
- 1 2 "Mwangangi crowned 2014 SOYA winner". Capital FM Kenya. 2015-01-16. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
- 1 2 Isaboke, Alex (16 January 2016). "Yego crowned 2015 SOYA winner". CapitalFM.co.ke. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
- 1 2 "Paralympian Samuel Muchai Scoops Overall Title At 2017 SOYA Awards". www.radiojambo.co.ke. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- 1 2 Isabirye, David (12 January 2019). "Kipchoge, Harambee Stars smile big at 2018 Soya awards in Kenya". Kawowo Sports. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
- 1 2 "Full list of 2019 SOYA awards winners". Citizen News Line. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- 1 2 Komen, Jonathan (26 January 2022). "Kipyegon, Omanyala wear SOYA award crowns". The Standard. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Akoth, Lauryne (3 March 2024). "Kelvin Kiptum Wins 2023 Sportsman Of The Year Award – Kenyatta University TV (KUTV). All Rights Reserved". kutv.co.ke. Archived from the original on 5 March 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- 1 2 Isaboke, Alex (20 January 2023). "Best of the best: Kipchoge, Kipyegon named 2022 Kenya's finest at SOYA". Capital Sports. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
- ↑ "2023 SOYA Awards Winners In All Categories". Education News Hub. 2026-03-26. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
- 1 2 Isaboke, Alex (17 April 2025). "Olympic Conquerors Beatrice Chebet, Emmanuel Wanyonyi Reign Supreme At 2024 SOYA". Capital Sports. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ↑ Isaboke, Alex (16 January 2015). "Kenya: Mwangangi Crowned 2014 Soya Winner". AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
- ↑ "Cheruiyot named 2016 Sports Personality of the year during Soya Awards". kutv.co.ke. 20 January 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2025.