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SOYA Awards: Wanyonyi, Chebet named Kenya’s best sports personalities as Naibois shine
11th April, 2026 07:22 AM
Reigning world title holders Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet once again emerged as the top honourees at the 22nd edition of the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA), successfully defending their crowns in the men’s and women’s categories.
The vibrant ceremony, held on Friday evening, April 10, 2026, at Uhuru Gardens, celebrated athletes who delivered outstanding performances across different sporting disciplines in 2025. The event was attended by Ethiopian long-distance legend Haile Gebrselassie.
In the men’s category, Wanyonyi secured the top prize ahead of London Marathon winner Sebastien Sawe, who finished as first runner-up, while Harambee Stars winger Ryan Ogam came in third.
Wanyonyi became the world and Diamond League 800m champion in 2025, a year in which he achieved four of the top six performances in the world. Those performances included a world lead of 1:41.44 in Monaco and a championship record of 1:41.86 to get gold at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, another global title to go with his Olympic crown from Paris.
On the women’s side, Chebet, who claimed double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at 2025 World Athletics Championships, was named the best, beating fellow world champions Faith Kipyegon and Faith Cherotich, who placed second and third respectively.
Naibois shine
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.
The recognition follows an extraordinary campaign in which Nairobi United defied the odds to lift the 2025 FKF Cup, edging regional giants Gor Mahia in the final, while still competing in the National Super League. Their fairytale run did not end there, as the club went on to make a strong impression on the continental stage, reaching the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup in their debut appearance.
The achievement marks a historic milestone for the club, underlining their rapid growth and ambition. From domestic success to continental recognition, Nairobi United have demonstrated resilience, quality, and a winning mentality throughout their journey.
In their highlight of the CAF campaign, Nairobi United knocked Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel out of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, winning 7–6 on penalties after a 2–2 aggregate draw to reach the group stage on their first attempt. .
The Kenyan side arrived in Sousse with a 2–0 cushion from the first leg, but ESS levelled the tie through Mohamed Anani’s strike on 48 minutes and a stoppage-time header from Ghofrane Naouali (90+6).
Naibois are currently placed 7th on the Football Kenya Federation Premier League log, and will be aiming to defend their FKF Cup when they take on Posta Rangers in the Round of 16 tie at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
