Kenya waits for best 2015 sportsperson and performers

Kenya's Julius Yego reacts during the final of the men's javelin throw athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium in Beijing on August 26, 2015. PHOTO | PEDRO UGARTE | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Who-is-who of Kenyan sports expected at KICC for gala night
  • The red carpet annual ceremony will be seeking to reward top performers in sports during the year 2015 where many Kenyan sportsmen and women excelled in their respective disciplines.
  • The finalists were picked by a panel of judges that comprised local sports journalists chaired by Watson Karuma.
  • The public and sports federations were involved in nominations and the subsequent voting via mobile phones.
    Former Cameroon football star Patrick M'Boma will be the chief guest at the awards.

The 12th edition of Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards (Soya) will be held Friday evening at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

The red carpet annual ceremony will be seeking to reward top performers in sports during the year 2015 where many Kenyan sportsmen and women excelled in their respective disciplines.

The event has also received massive backing from title sponsors Safaricom, mCheza, National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Brookside Dairies, MultiChoice/SuperSport, Communication Authority of Kenya, Kenya Airways, Kenya Tourism Board, Huawei Technologies and Vilarosa Kempinski Hoteliers.

Sportsman of the Year category has attracted some of the finest talent in Kenya what with most of them bringing the world to its feet with their top notch performances last year.  

PIONEER JAVELIN THROWER

The 2015 Athlete of the Year and pioneer javelin thrower Julius Yego is pitted against fellow athletes Asbel Kiprop, Geoffrey Kamworor, Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia striker Olunga and hockey player Linus Sang.

Kenya's Julius Yego celebrates after winning the final of the men's javelin throw athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium in Beijing on August 26, 2015. PHOTO | FRANCK FIFE | AFP

Geoffrey Kipsang celebrates crossing the finishing line to win the men's 10,000m final during the World Athletics Championship and Africa Games trials on August 1, 2015 at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga celebrates his goal against on September 6, 2015 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nyayo Stadium. He has moved from Chinese club Guizhou Zhicheng. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Sportswoman of the Year is equally competitive with Hyvin Kiyeng, Florence Kiplagat and Gladys Cherono from athletics battling it out with Mercy Moim (Volleyball) and Nune Bonaya (Shooting).

Kenya's Hyvin Kiyeng celebrates after winning the final of the women's 3000 metres steeplechase athletics event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium in Beijing on August 26, 2015. PHOTO | OLIVIER MORIN | AFP

Kenya's Mercy Moim (on top) attacks against Cuba during their FIVB Women's World Cup opening match in Tokyo on August 22, 2015. Cuba won 3-1. PHOTO | DAVID KWALIMWA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya's Gladys Cherono celebrates with the Kenyan flag after winning the women's category of the 42nd Berlin Marathon on September 27, 2015. PHOTO | JOHN MACDOUGALL | AFP

Yego, who broke the national record four times and the Africa record twice on his way to winning his maiden Diamond League event and World title looks a clear favourite.

The finalists were picked by a panel of judges that comprised local sports journalists chaired by Watson Karuma.

The public and sports federations were involved in nominations and the subsequent voting via mobile phones.
Former Cameroon football star Patrick M'Boma will be the chief guest at the awards.

SELECTED 2015 SOYA NOMINEES
Most Promising Athlete: Women - Cellphine Chespol (athletics), Rebecca Kamau (swimming), Agnes Tirop (athletics). Men - Kumari Taki (athletics), Vincent Kipyegon (athletics), Jeremy Wahome (motorsport)

Team of the Year: Men - Kenya Simba 15s (rugby), Gor Mahia (soccer), Kenya Commercial Bank (rugby), Harambee Stars (football), National Hockey team (hockey). Women - Telkom Orange (hockey), Malkia Strikers (volleyball), Kenya Pipeline (volleyball), Harambee Starlets (football)

Coach of the Year: Curtis Olago (rugby), Julius Kirwa (athletics), David Lung’aho (volleyball)

Comeback of the Year: Lawrence Buyachi (rugby), Emily Muteti (swimming), Paul Kiongera (football)

Federation of the Year: Kenya Volleyball Federation, Kenya Rowing and Canoeing, Boxing Association of Kenya

School Team of the Year: Girls - Wiyeta Girls (football), Sinyolo Girls (hockey), AIC Kosirai (volleyball), Obambo Mixed (netball), Moi Girls Kamusinga (hockey). Boys - Laiser Hill Academy , St Peters Mumias (rugby), Kangaru School (rugby), Malava Boys (volleyball), Narok Boys (hockey)

Community Hero: Edna Rotich, Albert Lagat, Bob Munro, Abdul Sidi

Hall of Fame: Brian Hawkins (shooting), John Mucheru (golf), Violet Baraza (volleyball)