2015 was an incredible year for sports in Kenya! Our athletes trained hard and displayed impeccable skills in each sporting category, placing Kenya on the world map and flying the Kenyan Flag high!
The prestigious Safaricom SOYA Awards was birthed in 2004 by Paul Tergat to appreciate the hard work and determination by Kenyan athletes in all sporting categories both nationally and internationally. This recognition has pushed athletes to put their bodies and strength into making our country shine. In 2015 alone, Kenya had a haul of 126 medals in sporting championships, 47 of which were gold medals.
The 12th annual Safaricom SOYA Awards were held at KICC on Friday 15th January and were full of glitz and glamour, not only from the black tie theme for the night but also from the magnificent presence of Patrick M’boma who is one of Africa’s legends in the football field. Mr. M’boma emphasised on the importance of recognising sportsmen and women who shine in their respective fields as it creates a sense of pride and an urge to keep performing well. Mr. Tergat addressed the issue of doping saying it shows a lack of respect towards sports.
That year, JULIUS YEGO was crowned The Overall Sports Personality of the Year 2015 and also took home the Sportsman of The Year 2015 Award. Ezekiel Kemboi, David Lung’aho, Nicholas Bett, Malkia Strikers and Gor Mahia also took home awards for showcasing outstanding performances in their various fields
Here is how it all went down http://sfy.co/v10p – Embed
Here is the full list of winners:
- Sportsman of the Year – Julius Yego
- Sports Women of the Year – Hyvin Kiyeng
- Team of the Year (Men) – Gor Mahia FC
- Sports Team of the Year (Women) – Malkia Strikers
- School Team of The Year (Girls) – Sinyolo Girls
- School Team (Boys) – Laiser Hill
- Ever Green Personality – Ezekiel Kemboi
- Most Promising Male Nominee – Kumari Taki Best
- Disability (Girl) – Susan Gatwiri
- Best Disability (Boy) – Onesmus Mutinda
- Outstanding Girl (Schools) – Judith Nkatha (Shadrack Kimalel)
- Outstanding Boy (Schools) – David Paristao (Ngoleni Secondary School)
- Coach of the Year (Schools) – Kevin Lugalia (St.Anthony Boys)
- Coach of the Year – David Lungaho
- Sports Federation of the Year – Kenya Volleyball Federation
- Outstanding Performer – Nicholas Bett
- Hall of Fame – Violet Barasa, Brian Hawkins and John Mucheru
- Community Hero – Edna Rotich
