Miss Commonwealth Kenya pushes mentorship agenda at SOYA Awards

Miss Commonwealth Kenya Sarah Akinyi has called for stronger mentorship structures and support systems for young Kenyans.

Akinyi made the passionate appeal as the country celebrated its top sporting talent during the 22nd Sports Personality of the Year Awards at Uhuru Gardens on Saturday.

The event brought together athletes, government officials and diplomats, including British Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett, in what organisers described as a platform for both recognition and policy direction in sports development.

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Akinyi said the future of Kenya’s youth depends on deliberate efforts to transfer knowledge, resources and opportunities from established figures to emerging talent.

"Our presence here is about witnessing the transition of social capital," noted Sarah Akinyi.

"When the founders and veterans of our industries support different generations, they are not just handing over trophies; they are providing the structural logic and 'Communal Wealth' needed for the youth to navigate 21st-century complexities."

Her remarks come amid growing calls for sustainable frameworks to support athletes beyond competition, including career development and mental resilience.

The ceremony celebrated both established sports icons and emerging stars, highlighting the importance of continuity in Kenya’s sporting success.

Akinyi’s remarks come amid increasing focus on how to sustain athletes’ careers beyond competition, particularly through mentorship, mental resilience, and economic empowerment.

Under the Miss Commonwealth Kenya initiative, she outlined proposals aimed at strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem.

These include the creation of structured mentorship programmes linking veteran athletes with upcoming talent, as well as aligning sports with broader economic opportunities such as branding, trade and professional development.

A key highlight is the proposed SOYA Academy, which seeks to institutionalise talent development while equipping athletes with life skills to ensure long-term success beyond their competitive years.

The approach reflects the vision of SOYA founder Paul Tergat, who has consistently advocated for holistic athlete development and sustainable support frameworks.

The event also underscored the role of international collaboration in sports growth.

Organisers pointed to the longstanding partnership between Paul Tergat and Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie as an example of how cross-border relationships can strengthen regional and global sporting networks.

In addition, the awards recognised achievements across diverse categories, including the Kenya Lionesses, leading school teams, and athletes in disability sports such as Ian Wambui Kahinga and Sheila Wanyonyi.

Such inclusive recognition reflects the need to build a sports system that supports all talent categories while promoting unity and national pride.

As Kenya prepares for upcoming international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games, Akinyi emphasised that mentorship and structured support will be critical in shaping globally competitive athletes.

The SOYA Awards, she said, should serve not only as a celebration of excellence but also as a catalyst for building sustainable systems that empower future generations.