The Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) has opened entries for its 2026 awards, challenging industry players to move beyond conventional marketing approaches and embrace new ideas shaped by technology and changing consumer behaviour.
The awards will recognise excellence across 19 categories, alongside special honours, including the Chairperson’s Choice and Overall Best awards.
The call for entries was announced on Tuesday during a pre-gala breakfast at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi, which brought together marketing leaders, brand custodians, agency heads, sponsors and media partners to launch preparations for the MSK Gala 2026.
The gala, themed “Beyond the Norm, the Next Frontiers of Marketing,” will take place on November 27 at Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi.
MSK Chairperson Zuhura Odhiambo said marketers needed to move beyond established practices and take a more proactive approach to shaping the industry’s future.
“The old playbook is not wrong; it is simply not enough! Stop doing what is expected and start doing what is next! The next frontier is not a place on a map, it is a decision made by people like you, to try, test and lead,” she said.
The theme reflects an industry undergoing significant change as emerging technologies, evolving consumer preferences and growing expectations of brands reshape how businesses engage their audiences.
MSK said the gala would celebrate practitioners, agencies and campaigns pushing the boundaries of marketing through innovative ideas and approaches.
An independent panel of judges, led by a chief judge, will evaluate entries. Submissions close on November 3, giving marketers and agencies until then to present their work for consideration.
The 2026 event builds on last year’s gala, held on December 5 at Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi, which attracted about 500 guests.
For this year’s edition, MSK plans to expand the programme, strengthen partnerships and streamline the awards ceremony as it seeks to build on the previous event.
The awards offer industry players an opportunity to showcase campaigns and strategies that demonstrate creativity, effectiveness and an understanding of changing market dynamics.
