SOYA Awards

The SOYA Awards, also known as the Sport Personality of the Year Award, are annual national awards given for sports personalities and organisations in Kenya. The awards were initiated in 2004 by Paul Tergat. The awards for each year are held at the beginning of the next year (e.g. awards for 2008 are presented in January 2009). Winners must be a native of Kenya.

Winners by year

2004

Following are the 2004 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport References
Sportsman of the yearHenry WanyoikeAthletics
Sportswoman of the year Catherine Ndereba Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national rugby sevens team Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) National volleyball team Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Brimin Kipruto Athletics
Hall of Fame Kipchoge Keino Athletics

2005

Following are the 2005 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport References
Sportsman of the yearBenjamin LimoAthletics
Sportswoman of the year Catherine Ndereba Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya Chiba Ekiden relay team Athletics
Sports team of the year (women) National volleyball team Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Samuel Wanjiru Long distance running
Most Promising sportswoman Veronica Nyaruai Wanjiru Running
Hall of Fame Joe Kadenge Football
Sports Federation Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association General
Special Category Edwin Kipchumba Paralympic

2006

Following are the 2006 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport References
Sportsman of the yearAlex KipchirchirAthletics
Sportswoman of the year Janeth Jepkosgei Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Junior World Cross Country team Athletics
Sports team of the year (women) Kenya Commercial Bank Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman David Dunford Swimming
Most Promising sportswoman Pauline Korikwiang Athletics
Hall of Fame Hardial Singh Field hockey
Sports Federation Athletics Kenya
Special Category Francis Thuo Paralympic

2007

Following are the 2007 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport References
Sportsman of the year Jason Dunford Swimming
Sportswoman of the year Janeth Jepkosgei Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national rugby sevens team Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) Junior World Cross Country team Athletics
Most Promising sportsman Asbel Kiprop Athletics
Most Promising sportswoman Ruth Bosibori Athletics
Hall of Fame inductee Paul Wekesa Tennis
Sports Federation Kenya Motorsports Foundation
Special Category (men) Abraham Tarbei Paralympic
Special Category (women) Betty Cheruiyot Paralympic
Community Hero Tegla Loroupe {aralympic

2008

Following are the 2008 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport References
Sportsman of the year Samuel Wanjiru Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Pamela Jelimo Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national rugby sevens team Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) Kenya Prisons Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Josephat Bett Athletics
Most Promising sportswoman Achieng Ajulu-Bushell Swimming
Hall of Fame inductee Jonathan Niva Football
Sports Federation Kenya Rugby Football Union Football
Special Category (men) Henry Kiprono Kirwa Paralympic
Special Category (women) Mary Nakhumicha Zakayo Paralympic
Community Hero Juma Abdalla Kent Basketball
Coach of the Year Julius Kirwa Athletics

2009

Following are the 2009 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport References
Sportsman of the yearCollins InjeraRugby union
Sportswoman of the yearLinet MasaiAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Kenya national rugby sevens teamRugby union
Sports team of the year (women)World Cross Country Championships teamAthletics
Most Promising sportsmanGeorge OdhiamboFootball
Most Promising sportswomanMercy CheronoAthletics
Hall of Fame inducteeDoris WefwafwaVolleyball
Sports FederationAthletics KenyaAthletics
Special Category (men)David KiptumParalympic athletics
Special Category (women)Mary NakhumichaParalympic athletics
Community HeroVeronicah OsogoTennis
Coach of the YearBenjamin AyimbaRugby union
Schools category (boys)Laiser Hill Academy
Schools category (girls)Shimba Hills Secondary School

2010

Following are the 2010 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearDavid RudishaAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearNancy LagatAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Ulinzi StarsFootball
Sports team of the year (women)Kenya PrisonsVolleyball
Most Promising sportsmanCaleb MwangangiAthletics
Most Promising sportswomanMercy CheronoAthletics
Hall of Fame inducteeWilson KiprugutAthletics
Sports FederationAthletics KenyaAthletics
Special Category (men)Collins WanderaParalympic athletics
Special Category (women)Mary NakhumichaParalympic athletics
Community HeroBrother Colm O'ConnellAthletics
Coach of the YearZedekiah OtienoFootball
Schools category (boys)Kerugoya
Schools category (girls)Malava

2011

Following are the 2011 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearPatrick Makau MusyokiAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearVivian CheruiyotAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Tusker FCFootball
Sports team of the year (women)Kenya PrisonsVolleyball
Most Promising sportsmanShivan VinayakMotocross
Most Promising sportswomanNaomi WafulaGolf
Hall of FameRobbie ArmstrongCricket
Sports FederationAthletics KenyaAthletics
Special Category (men)Abraham Cheruiyot TarbeiParalympic athletics
Special Category (women)Jennifer MutukoParalympic athletics
Community Hero Rose Naliaka Golf
Coach of the YearSammy Omollo Football
Schools category (boys)Laiser Hill Academy
Schools category (girls)Archbishop Njenga Girls High School
Fair play Priscah Cheptoo
Outstanding performance of the year Ezekiel Kemboi

2012

Following are the 2010 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearDavid Lekuta RudishaAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearMary KeitanyAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Tusker FCFootball
Sports team of the year (women)Kenya women's national under-20 football teamFootball
Most Promising sportsmanTimothy KitumAthletics
Most Promising sportswomanFaith KipyegonAthletics
Hall of Fame inducteeTekla ChemabwaiAthletics
Comeback of the YearPamela JelimoAthletics
Special Category (men)Abraham Cheruiyot TarbeiParalympic athletics
Special Category (women)Mary Nakhumicha ZakayoParalympic athletics
Coach of the YearCaroline KolaAthletics
Schools category (boys)St. Anthony Boys High School
Schools category (girls)Malava Girls Secondary SchoolVolleyball

2013

Following are the 2013 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearEzekiel KemboiAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearEdna KiplagatAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Kenya national rugby sevens teamRugby 7s
Sports team of the year (women)Kenya PrisonsVolleyball
Most Promising sportsmanTejas HiraniMotorsports
Most Promising sportswomanEmily MutetiSwimming
Hall of Fame inducteePhilip WaruingeBoxing
Sports FederationKenya Secondary Schools Association
Comeback of the YearRoselyn OdhiamboVolleyball
Special Category (men)Simon CheronoParalympic athletics
Special Category (women)Beryl AtienoParalympic athletics
Schools category (boys)Upper Hill SchoolBasketball
Schools category (girls)Kwanthanze High SchoolVolleyball

2014

Following are the 2014 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearCaleb NdikuAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearEunice SumAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)KCB RCRugby union
Sports team of the year (women)Telkom Orange Hockey ClubHockey
Most Promising sportsmanRonald KwemoiAthletics
Most Promising sportswomanChanelle WangariGolf
Sports FederationKenya Volleyball FederationVolleyball
Comeback of the YearInnocent SimiyuRugby union
Sportsman with a disabilityNikhil SachaniaMotorsports
Sportswoman with a disabilityJane WambuiParalympic athletics
Coach of the YearJos OpendaHockey
Schools category (boys)Friends School Kamusinga
Schools category (girls)Shimba Hills Secondary School

2015

Following are the 2015 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearJulius YegoAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearHyvin KiyengAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Gor Mahia FCFootball
Sports team of the year (women)Malkia StrikersVolleyball
Most Promising sportsmanKumari TakiAthletics
Most Promising sportswomanAgnes TiropAthletics
Hall of FameBrian Hokins
Violet Barasa
John Mucheru		Shooting
Volleyball
Golf
Sports FederationKenya Volleyball FederationVolleyball
Comeback of the YearDavid Lung’ahoRugby
Sportsman with a disabilityOnesmus MutindaParalympic athletics
Sportswoman with a disabilitySusan GatwiriParalympic athletics
Coach of the YearDavid Lung’ahoVolleyball
Outstanding performer (boy)David Paristao
Outstanding performer (girl)Judith NkathaTennis
Schools category (boys)Laiser Hill Academy
Schools category (girls)Sinyolo Girls Secondary School

2016

Following are the 2016 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearEliud KipchogeAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearVivian CheruiyotAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Kenya national rugby sevens teamRugby 7s
Sports team of the year (women)Harambee StarletsFootball
Most Promising sportsmanKipyegon BettAthletics
Most Promising sportswomanMwanalima Adam JerekoFootball
Hall of FameJackson Omaido
Naftali Temu		Rugby
Athletics
Sports FederationTennis KenyaTennis
Sportsman with a disabilitySamuel MuchaiParalympic athletics
Sportswoman with a disabilityNancy Chelangat KoechParalympic athletics
Coach of the YearJos OpendaHockey
Outstanding performer (boy)Allan SingarTable tennis
Outstanding performer (girl)Hadassah GichoviSwimming
Schools category (boys)KamusingaHockey
Schools category (girls)Kaya Tiwi High SchoolBasketball
School Coach of the YearPhilip OnyangoBasketball

2017

Following are the 2017 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearConseslus KiprutoAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearHellen ObiriAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Kenya national under-19 cricket teamCricket
Sports team of the year (women)LionessesRugby
Most Promising sportsmanAman Gandhi (cricketer)Cricket
Most Promising sportswomanJackline WambuiAthletics
Hall of FameStephen Muchoki
Allan Thigo 		Boxing
Football
Sports FederationAthletics KenyaAthletics
Sportsman with a disabilitySamuel MuchaiParalympic athletics
Sportswoman with a disabilityBeryl WamiraParalympic athletics
Coach of the YearJimmy KamandeCricket
Outstanding performer (boy)Emmanuel NdongaSwimming
Outstanding performer (girl)Faith NyaberaTennis
Schools category (boys)Muhuri Muchiri High SchoolRugby 7s
Schools category (girls)Wiyeta Girls Secondary SchoolFootball
School Coach of the YearKikechi KomboRugby 7s

2018

Following are the 2018 SOYA winners.

CategoryWinnerSport
Sportsman of the yearEliud KipchogeAthletics
Sportswoman of the yearBeatrice ChepkoechAthletics
Sports team of the year (men)Harambee StarsFootball
Sports team of the year (women)Telkom KenyaVolleyball
Most Promising sportsmanEdward ZakayoAthletics
Most Promising sportswomanAngella OkutoyiTennis
Sports FederationKenya Secondary Schools Sports Association
Sportsman with a disabilityDickson OnduariHandball
Sportswoman with a disabilityJane NdengaWheelchair tennis
Coach of the YearKevin WambuaRugby
Schools category (boys)Laiser Hill AcademyRugby
Schools category (girls)Kwale Girls High SchoolFootball

2019

Following are the 2019 SOYA winners.

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Eliud Kipchoge Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Hellen Obiri Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) KCB Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) Malaika Strikers Volleyball
Most Promising sportsman Geoffrey Okwach Rugby
Most Promising sportswoman Jentrix Shikangwa Football
Sports Federation Kenya Special Olympics
Special Category (men) Samwel Mushai Kimani Athletics
Special Category (women) Catherine Nyaga ??
Community Hero Johanna Omolo Football
Coach of the Year Paul Bitok Athletics
Most Outstanding Player (boys) Stephen Ndegwa Swimming
Most Outstanding Player (girls) Maria Biranchi Swimming
Schools category (boys) Kakamega High School Rugby
Schools category (girls) Kwanthanze Secondary School Volleyball
School Coach Justin Kigwari – Kwanthanze Secondary School Volleyball

2021

Following are the 2021 SOYA winners.

Category Winner Sport References
Sportsman of the year Ferdinand Omanyala Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Faith Kipyegon Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kenya national rugby sevens team Rugby Sevens
Sports team of the year (women) Vihiga Queens Football
Most Promising Boy Heristone Wafula Athletics
Most Promising Girl Teresia Muthoni Gateri Athletics
Coach of the Year Charles Okere Football

2022

Following are the 2022 SOYA winners.

Category Winner Sport References
Sportsman of the year Eliud Kipchoge Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Faith Kipyegon Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kabras Sugar Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) KCB Volleyball
Most Promising Boy Andrew Wahome Golf
Most Promising Girl Madina Okot Basketball
Coach of the Year Japheth Munala Volleyball

2023

Following are the 2023 SOYA winners.

Category Winner Sport References
Sportsman of the year Kelvin Kiptum Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Faith Kipyegon Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Kabras Sugar Rugby
Sports team of the year (women) Women's national 3x3 team Basketball
Most Promising Boy Ishmael Kipkurui Athletics
Most Promising Girl Valerie Nekesa Football
Coach of the Year Evelyn Kidogo Basketball
School team of the year (boys) Koyonzo High School Rugby
School team of the year (girls) Kwanthanze High School Volleyball
School Coach of the year Isaac Muresia Volleyball

2024

Following are the 2024 SOYA winners.

Category Winner Sport
Sportsman of the year Emmanuel Wanyonyi Athletics
Sportswoman of the year Beatrice Chebet Athletics
Sports team of the year (men) Nairobi City Thunder Basketball
Sports team of the year (women) Junior Starlets Football
Sportsman with disability Michelle Cheng'etich Para-athlietics
Sportswoman with disability Samson Ojuka Para-athlietics
Most Promising Boy Ishmael Kipkurui Athletics
Most Promising Girl Valerie Nekesa Football
Coach of the Year Mildred Cheche Football
School team of the year (boys) All Saints Embu High School Rugby
School team of the year (girls) Kesogon Secondary School Volleyball
School Coach of the year Benson Mwenda Rugby
Hall of Fame John Bobby Ogolla Football

Overall winners

Year Sportsman of the Year Sportswoman of the Year References
Winner Sport Winner Sport
2004Henry WanyoikeAthleticsCatherine NderebaAthletics
2005Benjamin LimoAthleticsCatherine Ndereba (2)Athletics
2006Alex KipchirchirAthleticsJaneth JepkosgeiAthletics
2007Jason DunfordSwimmingJaneth Jepkosgei (2)Athletics
2008Samuel WanjiruAthleticsPamela JelimoAthletics
2009Collins InjeraRugby unionLinet MasaiAthletics
2010David RudishaAthleticsNancy LagatAthletics
2011Patrick MakauAthleticsVivian CheruiyotAthletics
2012David Rudisha (2)AthleticsMary KeitanyAthletics
2013Ezekiel KemboiAthleticsEdna KiplagatAthletics
2014Caleb NdikuAthleticsEunice SumAthletics
2015Julius YegoAthleticsHyvin KiyengAthletics
2016 Eliud Kipchoge Athletics Vivian Cheruiyot (2) Athletics
2017 Conseslus Kipruto Athletics Hellen Obiri Athletics
2018 Eliud Kipchoge (2) Athletics Beatrice Chepkoech Athletics
2019 Eliud Kipchoge (3) Athletics Hellen Obiri (2) Athletics
2021 Ferdinand Omanyala Athletics Faith Kipyegon Athletics
2022 Eliud Kipchoge (4) Athletics Faith Kipyegon (2) Athletics
2023 Kelvin Kiptum Athletics Faith Kipyegon (3) Athletics
2024 Emmanuel Wanyonyi Athletics Beatrice Chebet Athletics

See also

References

  1. ↑ "SOYA Background". Sports Personality of the Year Award. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Stars for Soya Award: Wanyama faces challenge from rugby Sevens' Ambaka, Kemboi". Standard Digital. 5 December 2013. Archived from the original on September 24, 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  3. ↑ "Message From The Founder". SOYA Awards. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Previous Winners". SOYA Awards. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
  5. 1 2 Mwenda, Wanjiku (15 December 2011). "Makau and Cheruiyot bag top SOYA titles". MichezoAfrika.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  6. 1 2 "King Rudisha crowned Kenya's finest 2012 sport". SportsNewsArena.com. 6 December 2012. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  7. 1 2 Abuga, Amos (10 December 2013). "Kemboi, Kiplagat scoop top SOYA awards". MichezoAfrika.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  8. 1 2 "Mwangangi crowned 2014 SOYA winner". Capital FM Kenya. 2015-01-16. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
  9. 1 2 Isaboke, Alex (16 January 2016). "Yego crowned 2015 SOYA winner". CapitalFM.co.ke. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  10. 1 2 "Paralympian Samuel Muchai Scoops Overall Title At 2017 SOYA Awards". www.radiojambo.co.ke. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  11. 1 2 Isabirye, David (12 January 2019). "Kipchoge, Harambee Stars smile big at 2018 Soya awards in Kenya". Kawowo Sports. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  12. 1 2 "Full list of 2019 SOYA awards winners". Citizen News Line. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  13. 1 2 Komen, Jonathan (26 January 2022). "Kipyegon, Omanyala wear SOYA award crowns". The Standard. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 Akoth, Lauryne (3 March 2024). "Kelvin Kiptum Wins 2023 Sportsman Of The Year Award – Kenyatta University TV (KUTV). All Rights Reserved". kutv.co.ke. Archived from the original on 5 March 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  15. 1 2 Isaboke, Alex (20 January 2023). "Best of the best: Kipchoge, Kipyegon named 2022 Kenya's finest at SOYA". Capital Sports. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
  16. ↑ "2023 SOYA Awards Winners In All Categories". Education News Hub. 2026-03-26. Retrieved 2026-08-19.
  17. 1 2 Isaboke, Alex (17 April 2025). "Olympic Conquerors Beatrice Chebet, Emmanuel Wanyonyi Reign Supreme At 2024 SOYA". Capital Sports. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  18. ↑ Isaboke, Alex (16 January 2015). "Kenya: Mwangangi Crowned 2014 Soya Winner". AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  19. ↑ "Cheruiyot named 2016 Sports Personality of the year during Soya Awards". kutv.co.ke. 20 January 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2025.