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PS Elijah Mwangi lauds Kenyan athletes as Wanyonyi, Chebet shine at SOYA awards
11th April, 2026 09:21 AM
Kenya’s sporting excellence took center stage during the 22nd edition of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2026, as the government reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing and celebrating athletic talent across the country.
Speaking during the glamorous ceremony held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Uhuru Gardens, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi lauded Kenyan athletes as invaluable pillars of the nation’s identity and global reputation. He emphasized that the country’s sportsmen and women are not only elite performers but also a critical asset within Kenya’s broader sports ecosystem.
Precious assets
“Our sportsmen and women are more than world-class stars; they are the most precious asset in the whole pantheon of Kenya’s sports ecosystem,” Mwangi stated.
He noted that Kenyan athletes have consistently elevated the country’s stature on both continental and global stages by breaking records, redefining competition, and showcasing unmatched excellence. Their achievements, he added, have positioned Kenya as a global powerhouse and a home of world-beating champions.
The SOYA 2026 gala brought together a diverse mix of top-tier athletes, emerging talents, and legendary figures from various disciplines including football, athletics, volleyball, hockey, golf, and rugby. The event not only celebrated individual and team achievements but also underscored the unifying power of sports across communities and nations.
Mwangi highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts under President William Ruto to transform the sports sector. These initiatives include investing in modern sports infrastructure, supporting national teams, strengthening governance within federations, and promoting the commercialization of sports to unlock economic opportunities.
The evening also featured emotional tributes, as attendees paused to honor and remember sports personalities who have passed on, recognising their lasting contributions to the country’s sporting heritage.
A standout moment of the ceremony was the presence of two of Africa’s most celebrated long-distance runners, Paul Tergat and Haile Gebrselassie. The duo, whose historic rivalry captivated the athletics world for years, added prestige and nostalgia to the occasion.
Mwangi concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting athletes through improved welfare programs, incentives, and enhanced cash rewards for outstanding performance.
“The government will continue to support talents, the development of sports and enhance the welfare of our sportsmen and women,” he affirmed.
Best performers
As the curtains fell on SOYA 2026, reigning world title holders Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet once again emerged as the top honourees, successfully defending their crowns in the men’s and women’s categories.
Elsewhere, Nairobi United FC were crowned Team of the Year at the Kenyan Sport Personality of the Year Awards, capping off a remarkable 2025 season that has firmly placed the club among the country’s rising football forces.
