Bobea Awards 2026 creates new category for Kenya’s top impersonators and satirists

Kenya’s growing community of impersonators, satirists and digital content creators is set to receive formal recognition after the Bobea Leadership Awards unveiled a new category dedicated to the creative field.

In a statement released on June 2, 2026, the Bobea Leadership Awards Secretariat announced the introduction of the Impersonators Crown, a category that will honour creatives who mirror public life through satire, mimicry and comedic interpretations of public figures.

The category is among several additions unveiled as part of the Bobea Leadership Awards 2026 nominees list, which the organisers described as the most extensive leadership and governance recognition process undertaken by the awards since their inception.

According to the statement, the new category acknowledges the growing influence of satirical content creators whose work has become a major part of public discourse, particularly on digital platforms.

“The Bobea Leadership Awards Secretariat today officially unveiled the 2026 Nominees List, launching the most extensive leadership and governance recognition process ever undertaken in Kenya. Following weeks of public nominations and a rigorous, data-driven vetting exercise by the Bobea Awards Secretariat and Selection Committee, the final list of nominees across _25 prestigious categories_ is now open for public voting. Each nominee was evaluated on performance metrics, legislative output, service delivery, accountability, and citizen impact,” the statement read in part.

Other categories

The category forms part of the 25 award categories unveiled by the Secretariat, which span leadership, governance, media, community service and public administration.

Besides the Impersonators Crown, the 2026 awards will recognise excellence in categories including Best Performing MP on Legislation, Governor of Excellence, Best Performing Cabinet Secretary, Best Political Analyst, Most Trusted News Source, Most Informative Show and Community Change-Maker.

The statement also announced the introduction of a Political Party of Choice category, where Kenyans will vote for the political party they believe best represents their aspirations and interests.

“Political Party of Choice* – New: Kenyans vote for the party they trust to transform lives_ Sample Nominees for Excellence in Political Party Leadership: Hon Edwin Sifuna – ODM, Hon Omar Hassan Sarai – UDA, Hon Shakila Abdalla – Wiper, Hon Catherine Omanyo – ODM, Hon Eseli Simiyu – DAP-K, Hon John Methu – DCP, Hon Moitalel Ole Kenta – Jubilee, George Wainaina – KANU, Onchari Oyieyo – NEDP,” the statement read.

Another notable addition is the expansion of the Best EALA Legislator category to cover all eight East African Community partner states.

As such, the Secretariat further revealed that public voting will officially open on June 3, 2026, and remain open until June 11, 2026, through the awards’ official online platform.

Organisers said participation in the voting process will be free of charge, describing citizen involvement as a key pillar of the awards programme.

The winners are expected to be unveiled during a black-tie gala dinner scheduled for July 4, 2026, at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa Auditorium in Nairobi.

“The awards will culminate in a grand _Black-Tie Gala Dinner_ on _Friday, 4th July 2026, 5:00 PM till late_ at the _Catholic University of Eastern Africa Auditorium, Nairobi_. The event will convene Presidents, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, Senators, MPs, MCAs, EALA Legislators, CEOs, civil society, and grassroots leaders for a night of honour and national reflection,” the statement added.

In the statement, Selection Committee Chairperson Dr Geoffrey Simita said the awards continue to evolve in order to reflect areas where leadership, influence and public engagement intersect.

He noted that the expanded categories now recognise contributions made across all levels of society, including emerging spaces such as digital content creation and satire.

“Bobea Leadership Awards 2026 is not just an event. It is Kenya’s scorecard for leadership. From Cabinet Secretaries to MCAs, from EALA to Community Change Makers, we are documenting who delivers, who protects public resources, and who inspires the next generation. With 25 categories, we now cover every level where leadership decisions touch citizens’ lives,” Dr Simita said.

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