The Thamani Awards are returning for a second edition, and the stakes have never been higher. Originally established to celebrate Kenyan mothers and their contributions to society, the awards have now transformed into a continental platform known as the Thamani Africa Awards.
This expansion aims to amplify the voices of women across East, Central, West, Southern, and North Africa.
Notable Kenyan Nominees
Kenyan celebrities and leaders dominate the 2026 nomination list. In the entertainment and digital spheres, influencer Azziad Nasenya, media personality Lulu Hassan, and actress Brenda Wairimu have all secured spots. They are joined by celebrated musician Nadia Mukami.
The sports category features global icons such as runner Faith Kipyegon and tennis star Angella Okutoyi.
In leadership and governance, the list includes Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, and Winnie Odinga. Notable county leaders like Governors Gladys Wanga and Anne Waiguru have also been recognised for their impact.
A Growing Continental Stage
This year’s edition marks a significant shift in scale. Organisers reviewed more than 5,000 submissions through a rigorous month-long vetting process conducted by a 15-member secretariat.
This has resulted in 198 nominees spread across 20 categories. Of these, 15 categories are pan-African, while five remain specific to Kenya.
ALSO READ: Hanifa Farsafi, Kirinyaga MP Njeri Maina Shine at Thamani Awards 2025
The upcoming gala dinner is scheduled for 9 May 2026, at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, coinciding once again with Mother’s Day.
“We’re setting a continental stage to say plainly: women’s leadership is Africa’s advantage.”
Reflecting on the 2025 Inaugural Edition
The first Thamani Awards took place on 11 May 2025, at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, Nairobi. It focused primarily on women from East Africa who had made significant strides in their respective fields.
One of the biggest winners of the night was Kirinyaga Women Representative Jane Njeri Maina. She walked away with "The Voice of Reason 2025" award, beating fellow parliamentarians Millie Odhiambo and Zamzam Mohamed.
Maina was recognised for her development record and her vocal contributions as the second youngest MP in the Kenyan Parliament.
Human rights activist Hanifa Farsafi also secured a major win. She was awarded for "Best Social Media Impact 2025" after her rise to prominence during national demonstrations. Farsafi won the category against other popular figures, including Elsa Majimbo.
The Road to the 2026 Gala
The 2026 ceremony will feature 29 competitive categories and eight honorary awards. These honorary recognitions are designed to celebrate legendary women who have built enduring national legacies.
Voting for the current nominees is officially open and will close at midnight on 12 April. Following the vote, the secretariat will audit the results before the winners are honoured for their roles in shaping industries and uplifting communities across Africa.
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