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Kalasha Awards 2026: Full list of winners across all categories
03rd May, 2026 08:31 PM
The 14th edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and content creators from across the region to celebrate excellence in film, television, and digital storytelling.
The event, graced by President William Ruto, who attended as one of the chief guests, recognised a wide range of productions and talents for excellence in storytelling, performance, and technical craft.
Among the top honours of the night, JIMBI, directed by Uganda’s Talemwa Pius, won Best International Film, standing out for its cross-border storytelling and originality.
In the television category, MTV Shuga Mashariki, produced by Kevin Njue, took home the People’s Choice Award (TV Drama).
In acting categories, Juma Mdoe won Best Lead Actor in a Film for his role as Abbas in SUKARI, while Michelle Lemuya was awarded Best Lead Actress in a Film for her performance in NAWI.
Jave Samson earned Best Supporting Actor in a Film for SUKARI, while Ivy Collette won Best Supporting Actress in a Film for her role in OWADWA.
On the television side, John Sibi-Okumu won Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama for his role as Joe in KASH MONEY, while June Njenga secured Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama for her role in BIG GIRL SMALL WORLD.
Lenana Kariba and Amara Tari also received recognition for their supporting roles in KASH MONEY, winning Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama respectively.
KASH MONEY emerged as a major winner, taking home Best TV Drama, while its directors Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson were awarded Best Director. Omar Hamza won Best Director (Film) for SUKARI.
In the documentary category, The People Shall, co-directed by Mark Maina and the late Nick Wambugu, won Best Documentary, highlighting its powerful storytelling around recent socio-political events in Kenya. Mark Maina also received recognition for Best Editing for the same project.
SUKARI further cemented its impact by winning Best Short Film, while NDEMWA, directed by Michael Mutahi, was awarded Best Children’s Production for its engaging and educational storytelling.
In the technical categories, Andrew Mungai and Baker Karim won Best Cinematography for their work in The Dog, while Damien Hauser received the award for Best Visual Effects for Memories of Princess Mumbi.
The Best Kenyan Indigenous Language Film award went to SARAH, a production by Sarah Tenoi, Nick Reding, and Amos Laukat, recognising its contribution to local storytelling and cultural preservation.
In the student category, Dinner for Three, produced under the MultiChoice Talent Factory by Brian Kabogoza, won Best Student Film.
In the digital space, Edwin Wainaina, popularly known as Kadusko, was named Digital Content Creator of the Year, recognised for his consistency, audience engagement, and impactful storytelling online.
Author
Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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