Full List of Winners: 14th Edition of Kalasha Awards Held at KICC Nairobi

The 14th edition of the Kalasha International Film and TV Awards took place on 2 May 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

The event, established by the Kenya Film Commission, continues to be the country's most prestigious platform for celebrating excellence in the creative arts.

This year's ceremony was a significant milestone for Kenyan cinema. The feature film Nawi and the short film Sukari emerged as the most celebrated productions of the night.

Film Category Winners

The film awards highlighted a diverse range of stories and technical skill. Nawi secured the top spot for Best Feature Film and also won the People’s Choice Award for the same category. Sukari dominated several technical and performance areas, including Best Short Film.

• Best Feature Film: Nawi by Brizan Were, Lydia Wrensch & Caroline Heim
• Best Short Film: Sukari by June Wairegi
• Best Documentary: The People Shall by Mark Maina & Nick Wambugu
• Best Kenyan Indigenous Language Film: Sarah by Sarah Tenoi, Nick Reding & Amos Leuka
• Best Animation Production: Lore by Mary Wanjiku
• Best Lead Actor in a Film: Juma Mdoe (as Abbas) in Sukari

  

• Best Lead Actress in a Film: Michelle Lemuya (as Nawi) in Nawi
• Best Supporting Actor in Film: Jave Samson (as Musa) in Sukari
• Best Supporting Actress in a Film: Ivy Collette (as Mary) in Owadwa

"The evening was a showcase of Kenyan talent, with Sukari and Nawi proving that local stories have immense depth and quality."

Technical Excellence and Direction

Behind-the-scenes professionals were also in the spotlight. Omar Hamza was named Best Director for Sukari, a film that also won for its screenplay and score.

• Best Original Screenplay: June Wairegi & Omar Hamza for Sukari
• Best Director: Omar Hamza for Sukari
• Best Director of Photography: Andrew Mungai & Baker Karim for The Dog
• Best Sound Designer: Eric Musyoka for Sarah
• Best Film Score: Frank Matovu for Sukari
• Best Editor: Mark Maina for The People Shall
• Best Gaffer: Walter Odhiambo for The Dog
• Best Visual Effects (VFX): Damien Hauser for Memory of Princess Mumbi
• Best Production Designer: Erikson Kang’ethe for Nawi
• Best Make-Up: John “Suki” Michuki Kibunguri for 2-Assunder
• Best Costume Designer: Viva Njeri for Nawi

Television Category Highlights

The television categories were largely defined by the success of Kash Money, which took home several major trophies.

• Best TV Drama: Kash Money by Grace Kahaki & Philippe Bresson
• Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama: John Sibi Okumu (as Joe) in Kash Money
• Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama: June Njenga in Big Girl Small World
• Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama: Lenana Kariba (as Njagi) in Kash Money
• Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama: Amara Tari (as Cate Njenga) in Kash Money
• Best Scriptwriter: Angela Ruhinda for Big Girl Small World
• Best Director (TV): Grace Kahaki & Philippe Bresson for Kash Money
• People’s Choice Award (TV Drama): MTV Shuga Mashariki by Kevin Njue

Special Recognition and Student Awards

The awards also looked toward the future of the industry while honouring its veterans. John Karanja was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Best Student Film: Dinner for Three by Brian Kabogozza (Multichoice Talent Factory)
• Best Student Documentary: The Inkidongi by Kenya Film School
• Best International Award: Jimbi by Talemwa Pius (Uganda)
• Best Children Production: Ndemwa by Michael Mutahi
• Jury Award: Memory of Princess Mumbi by Damien Hauser
• Digital Content Creator of the Year: Edwin Wainaina (Kadusko)
• Positive Impact Content Creator of the Year: Shiksha Arora