Nairobi United bag top prize in 2025 SOYA Awards Gala

Kenya’s finest sporting talents took center stage on Friday, 10 April, as the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) gala lit up Uhuru Gardens in a night dedicated to excellence, resilience, and achievement.

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The prestigious ceremony, designed to honour outstanding performers across the sporting landscape, featured 16 competitive categories, with football making a strong statement as FKF Premier League clubs and players earned notable recognition.

At the heart of the evening’s celebrations was Nairobi United, who were crowned Men’s Team of the Year, capping off a remarkable rise that has firmly placed the club among Kenya’s elite.

Their triumph was anchored on a historic 2024/25 campaign that saw them clinch a memorable cup double, lifting both the National Super League (NSL) title and the Mozzart Bet Cup.

Beyond domestic success, Nairobi United etched their name into the continental stage by securing a maiden CAF interclub campaign, and progressing to the group stages, an extraordinary milestone for a club still carving its identity in Kenyan football.

Meanwhile, Kariobangi Sharks’ attacking sensation Humphrey Aroko continued his steady rise after being named first runner-up in the Most Promising Young Player category, following an impressive season that underlined his growing influence.

On the women’s front, the Harambee Starlets were deservedly named Women’s Team of the Year first runners up spot, a recognition inspired by their historic qualification for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Under the guidance of head coach Beldine Odemba, the team ended a decade-long absence from the continental showpiece, marking a significant turning point in the growth of women’s football in Kenya.

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In the individual honours, Harambee Stars forward Ryan Ogam earned second runner-up in the Men’s Personality of the Year category after a standout showing at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania where kenya bowed out in knock out stage.

Elsewhere, Emmanuel Wanyonyi was crowned Sportsman of the Year, while Beatrice Chebet claimed the Sportswoman of the Year accolade, highlighting Kenya’s continued dominance in athletics on the global stage.

The Junior Malkia Strikers were recognised as Women’s Team of the Year in volleyball, with their head coach Jackline Baraza walking away with the Coach of the Year award, further cementing the team’s growing legacy.

In disability sports, Ian Wambui (Deaflympics) and Sheila Wanyonyi (Para Athletics) were honoured as Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively, underscoring the depth of talent and determination across all levels of sport.

At the grassroots level, Moi Girls High School’s handball tactician Geoffrey Simiyu was named School Coach of the Year, while his institution, Moi Girls Kamusinga, secured the Girls’ School Team of the Year award.

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St. Luke’s Kimilili handball team on the other hand claimed top honours in the boys’ category.

Rising stars Marlyne Tata and Shane Chandaria were recognised as the Most Promising Girl and Boy, signaling a bright future for Kenyan sport.

The night also paid tribute to legends, as athletics icon Tegla Loroupe and rugby pioneer Edward Rombo were inducted into the SOYA Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of their lasting impact on Kenyan sport.