Gebreselassie, Simbu to headline 22nd SOYA Awards in Nairobi

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Ethiopian athletics legend Haile Gebreselassie and reigning world marathon champion Alphonce Simbu will be the chief guests at the 22nd Edition of the Sports Personality of the Year (SOYA) Awards set for April 10, 2026 at Uhuru Gardens.

Speaking during the media launch on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 SOYA founder Paul Tergat said inviting the two stars aligns with a broader vision to expand the awards beyond Kenya.

“Under our 2025–2030 strategy, we see SOYA growing into the East African region and beyond, establishing a platform that reflects the potential and strength of African sport,” he said.

The Ethiopia megastar remains one of the most decorated distance runners in history with two Olympic gold medals in the 10,000 metres, four world titles, and the distinction of becoming the first man to run a sub-2:04 marathon at the 2008 Berlin Marathon before retiring in 2015.

Simbu, meanwhile, represents the new generation of African marathon excellence.

The Tanzanian clinched the world marathon title in Tokyo last year, adding to his bronze medal from Budapest in 2023 and a Commonwealth Games silver medal from Birmingham 2022.

Their presence is expected to elevate this year’s gala which celebrates outstanding sports personalities from grassroots to elite levels while promoting the growth of sport across the continent.

Tergat noted that the event will increasingly reflect a Pan-African identity. “Because African excellence deserves African platforms that can stand on the global stage, we hope to see the SOYA Gala embody this spirit.”

The launch also marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SOYA and Homeboyz Entertainment to establish a SOYA Academy—an initiative aimed at nurturing talent beyond recognition.

Tergat described the academy as a shift that goes from the awards to sports development.

“From SOYA Conversations to the Sports Media Lab and Innovation Hub, we are creating a space where the next generation can learn, grow, and find their voice.

“Our goal is not just to celebrate excellence, but to build systems that sustain it.”

Homeboyz Entertainment chief executive officer (CEO) Mike Rabar said the partnership bridges sport and the creative economy.

“This collaboration brings together sports, media, and entertainment. Sport goes beyond the field and rally tracks. I commend Tergat for thinking beyond a one-day awards ceremony.”

SOYA Awards also received a Ksh2 million boost from Sidian Bank, with the lender pledging to enhance athletes’ financial literacy and entrepreneurial capacity.

Sidian Bank head of branches, Loice mwangi, said the bank was keen to nurture sports talent and drive financial inclusion in the sports fraternity.

Representing the Ministry of Sports, deputy director Beth Wamalwa Yatich reaffirmed government support for initiatives that strengthen athlete development and recognition.

“Through this collaboration, the government reaffirms its commitment to creating structured pathways for talent identification, development, and recognition,” she said.

She added that celebrating athletes not only honours their achievements, but also inspires future generations while enhancing Kenya’s standing on the continental and global stage.

Also present at the launch were SOYA nominations panel chair Chris Mbaisi and rally driver Pauline Sheghu, among other stakeholders.