Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet Retain Top Honours at 22nd SOYA Awards

The 22nd edition of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) took place on Friday night at Uhuru Gardens.

The gala celebrated the biggest achievements in Kenyan sport from the 2025 season. Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet were the stars of the night as they both retained their titles as Kenya's top athletes.

The event was attended by many high-profile figures, including Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie. This annual ceremony has become the premier way to recognize sporting talent in the country since it was founded by Paul Tergat in 2004.

Wanyonyi’s Record-Breaking Year

Emmanuel Wanyonyi was named the Sportsman of the Year following a dominant season on the track. His most significant achievement came during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

He won the 800m gold medal with a championship record time of 1:41.86.

"A season of hard work, big wins, and unforgettable moments, and this is the reward."

Wanyonyi beat a tough field to secure the top prize. Sabastian Sawe, who won both the London and Berlin Marathons in 2025, finished as the first runner-up. Harambee Stars winger Ryan Ogam took the second runner-up spot.

Ogam was recognized for his role in the World Cup qualifiers and for helping Kenya reach the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship.

Chebet Claims Double Gold Glory

In the women’s category, Beatrice Chebet was voted the best female athlete for the second year in a row. Her 2025 season was highlighted by a historic performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. She secured a double gold by winning both the 5,000m and 10,000m titles.

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Chebet, who is also the 5,000m world record holder, faced stiff competition for the award. Four-time 1500m world champion Faith Kipyegon finished in second place.

The third spot went to Faith Cherotich, the world 3,000m steeplechase champion.

Celebrating Team Success

The awards recognized excellence across 16 different categories. Football had a successful night as the Junior Starlets U17 team was named the Women’s Team of the Year.

Their coach, Mildred Cheche, was also honoured as the Coach of the Year for her work with the national youth side.

Another highlight of the evening was the induction of John "Bobby" Ogola into the Hall of Fame. The former Harambee Stars defender was recognized for his long-standing contribution to Kenyan football.

The SOYA awards continue to grow in stature and now aim for a pan-African reach. This year’s ceremony once again highlighted the depth of talent within Kenyan athletics and beyond.