SOYA Awards 2026 to Feature Haile Gebrselassie and Alphonce Simbu as Chief Guests
The SOYA Awards are set for a major boost in prestige this year, with athletics icons Haile Gebrselassie and Alphonce Simbu confirmed as chief guests for the 22nd edition scheduled on April 10, 2026 at Uhuru Gardens.
Speaking during the launch, SOYA founder Paul Tergat said the inclusion of continental stars reflects a deliberate shift to position the awards as a Pan-African platform. The move aligns with SOYA’s 2025–2030 strategy aimed at expanding its footprint across East Africa and beyond while showcasing African sporting excellence on a global stage.
Gebrselassie, widely regarded as one of the greatest distance runners in history, brings unmatched pedigree to the event. The Ethiopian legend boasts two Olympic gold medals in the 10,000m and multiple world titles, and famously became the first man to break the 2:04 marathon barrier at the Berlin Marathon 2008 before retiring in 2015.
Simbu represents the new wave of African marathon dominance. The Tanzanian star captured global attention after winning the marathon title in Tokyo last year, adding to his bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022.
Their presence is expected to elevate the gala, which celebrates outstanding sports personalities from grassroots to elite level while promoting growth across the continent. Tergat emphasized that SOYA is evolving into more than just an awards ceremony, with a stronger focus on long-term athlete development.
A key highlight of the launch was the signing of a partnership with Homeboyz Entertainment to establish a SOYA Academy. The initiative will focus on nurturing talent through programs such as sports media training, innovation hubs, and mentorship platforms aimed at empowering the next generation.
“This is about moving from recognition to development,” Tergat said, noting that initiatives like SOYA Conversations and the Sports Media Lab will help young athletes and creatives find their voice and build sustainable careers.
The awards also received a financial boost from Sidian Bank, which pledged Ksh2 million and committed to supporting athletes through financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs. The bank said the partnership will help drive inclusion and equip sports personalities with skills beyond competition.
Government backing was also reaffirmed, with officials from the Ministry of Sports highlighting the importance of structured pathways for talent identification, development, and recognition in strengthening Kenya’s sporting ecosystem.
Meanwhile, nominations panel chair Chris Mbaisi underscored the selection criteria, noting that nominees will be judged on exceptional performance in competition as well as sustained consistency throughout the season.
With continental icons, strategic partnerships, and a renewed development focus, this year’s SOYA Awards are shaping up to signal a broader transformation—one that positions the event as a key driver of African sport both on and off the field.
