The creative industry’sversion of the Olympics is heading to France this June, and Kenya has officially selected the young talent who will carry the national flag.
The Cannes Young Lions competition is a global stage designed to spotlight the next generation of creative leaders. For Gen Z professionals in Kenya, this isn't just a contest; it is a high-stakes gateway to international recognition.
A 24-Hour Creative Marathon
The journey began on 7 February 2026 at the EABL Microbrewery in Ruaraka. Twenty-one teams of two were given just 24 hours to solve complex briefs for major brands like Safaricom and Tusker.
Participants worked through the night, brainstorming and refining ideas in the categories of Digital, Design, and Film.
The environment was designed for intense focus. Teams moved from briefing sessions at 9:00 am directly into production mode. By 10:00 am the following day, all work had to be uploaded to the official Cannes platform, with no further changes allowed.
“We’ve put together bold, demanding briefs, and I encourage you to be fearless in how you respond to them.” — Zizwe Awuor, Safaricom Head of Brand and Marketing.
The 2026 Kenyan Champions
After a rigorous judging process led by industry experts, the Gold winners were announced on 8 February.These teams will now travel to France to compete against the best young minds from around the world.
ALSO READ: Kenya Has Its Champions: Safaricom Young Lions 2026 Winners Head to Cannes
In the Digital category, the Gold went to the duo Kinjal and Muskaan for their work titled ‘Ready Stadii, Grao!’ The Design category was topped by team Full Capacity for their entry, ‘Niko Game: The 50 Million Seat Stadium’.
Meanwhile, in the Film category, the team En Route took home Gold for their project, ‘These Hands’.
What Judges Were Looking For
The competition was about more than just aesthetics. Jury presidents, including Max Ngari (Digital), Maurice “Riz” Wangalachi (Design), and Tosh Gitonga (Film), looked for work that solved real-world problems.
Winning entries had to be bold, original, and practical. The judges emphasised that creativity must drive business impact and resonate with audiences.In an era where AI is becoming more prevalent, the jury specifically looked for the raw talent and authenticity that only human creativity can provide.
“Creativity is not about flair for its own sake. We are looking for bold, fresh, and practical ideas — work that engages the brand.” — Maurice Wangalachi, Design Jury President.
For young creatives, the platform is a global proving ground. According to Safaricom’s Zizwe Awuor, some of the ideas presented were so effective they are considered "plug and play," meaning the brands can use them immediately in real-world campaigns.
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