Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Beatrice Chebet, and the Junior Starlets were among the standout winners at the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA), held on Thursday evening at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC). The prestigious ceremony, which celebrates Kenya’s sporting achievements, recognized the stellar performances of athletes who made significant contributions to their respective sports, including the nation’s Olympic heroes.
Wanyonyi and Chebet, both of whom delivered extraordinary performances at the 2024 Paris Olympics, took home the top honours in their categories. Wanyonyi, who clinched the gold medal in the men’s 800 metres and dominated the event throughout the season, was awarded the coveted Sportsman of the Year title. He triumphed over a competitive field that included marathoner Benson Kipruto, middle-distance runner Ronald Kwemoi, basketball player Albert Odero, and boxer Boniface Mugunde.
In the women’s category, Beatrice Chebet’s impressive double gold performance at the Paris Olympics in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres earned her the Sportswoman of the Year award. Chebet outshone a group of elite athletes, including Faith Kipyegon, the Olympic 1,500-metre champion, Boston Marathon winner Hellen Obiri, marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, and steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich. Kipyegon and Obiri were recognized for their achievements as well, finishing second and third, respectively, after winning gold and bronze medals in their events.
The Junior Starlets, Kenya’s U-17 Women’s football team, made history by becoming the first Kenyan football team to represent the country at a FIFA World Cup. Their remarkable journey to qualify for the global stage was recognised as they were named the Women’s Team of the Year. The Junior Starlets’ coach, Mildred Cheche, was awarded Coach of the Year for her exceptional leadership in guiding the team through the challenging qualification process. Cheche edged out Salim Babu, the coach of the Kenya U-20 Rising Stars, who took second place.
John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla, a former Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars defender, was inducted into the SOYA Hall of Fame in recognition of his legendary career. Ogolla, known as the “six million dollar man,” made a lasting impact on Kenyan football, and his induction was a fitting tribute to his contributions to the sport.
In basketball, Nairobi City Thunder emerged as the Men’s Team of the Year after a dominant 2024/2025 season, which saw them qualify for the Basketball Africa League (BAL). The team’s exceptional performance throughout the season set them apart from the competition, and their achievement in qualifying for such a prestigious continental tournament was duly celebrated.
The awards ceremony also recognised athletes with disabilities who have excelled in their respective disciplines. Samson Ojuka, who has excelled in para-athletics, was named Sportsman With Disability, while Michelle Chepng’etich, also a para-athletics star, took home the Sportswoman With Disability award.
In the school sports categories, Benson Mwenda, coach of All Saints Embu’s XVs Rugby team, was honoured as School Coach of the Year. The Boys’ School Team of the Year award went to All Saints Embu for their exceptional performance in rugby, while Kesogon Girls Secondary School was named Girls’ Team of the Year for their outstanding achievements in volleyball.
The SOYA Awards serve as an important platform for celebrating the triumphs of Kenyan athletes, coaches, and teams, and the 2025 edition was no different in showcasing the nation’s sporting excellence across various disciplines.
