What You Need to Know
Nominations for the Thamani Africa Awards have opened, highlighting the achievements of Kenyan women in leadership and various sectors. Prominent figures like Winnie Odinga and Faith Kipyegon are among the nominees, reflecting the growing influence of women in governance and society across Africa. Voting is now open until April 12, with winners to be announced on May 10.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Nominations have officially opened for the second edition of the Thamani Africa Awards, with Kenyan leaders and public figures emerging prominently across multiple categories in a continental showcase of women’s excellence.
Among those featured in the highly competitive “Voice of the People” category are Winnie Odinga, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, and Essy Okenyuri.
They are joined by regional counterparts such as Jesca Ababiku and Rebecca Okwaci, reflecting the growing influence of women in governance across Africa.
The awards, which recognise excellence in leadership, governance, humanitarian work, sports, arts, media, education and other sectors, have this year expanded their scope to cover the entire continent.
New regional categories spanning East and Central Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa and North Africa have been introduced to amplify African women’s voices on a broader platform.
“This edition reflects our commitment to positioning African women at the centre of progress across the continent,” organisers said in a statement, inviting both self-nominations and third-party submissions.
Kenyan nominees feature strongly beyond the political sphere. In governance and public service, Cabinet Secretaries including Rebecca Miano and Hannah Wendot Cheptumo have been recognised, alongside Principal Secretaries such as Susan Mangeni and Caroline Wanjiru Karugu.
At the county level, governors Gladys Wanga, Anne Waiguru and Wavinya Ndeti have been nominated in the Governor of Excellence category, underscoring the expanding role of women in devolved leadership.
The awards also celebrate influence in entertainment and popular culture. Kenyan personalities such as Azziad Nasenya, Brenda Wairimu and Nadia Mukami have secured nominations on the continental stage.
In sports, Kenya’s dominance is evident with global athletics star Faith Kipyegon and rising tennis talent Angella Okutoyi among those recognised.
Organisers revealed that the 2026 edition will feature 29 competitive categories alongside eight honorary awards celebrating legendary women from across Africa’s regions.
These honorary recognitions will highlight lifetime achievements and enduring contributions to society.
Following a month-long vetting process conducted by a 15-member secretariat, more than 5,000 submissions were reviewed, resulting in 198 nominees across 20 categories. Of these, 15 are pan-African categories while five are Kenya-specific.
Voting officially opened today and will run until April 12 at midnight, after which results will be audited ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for May 10 at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, coinciding with Mother’s Day celebrations.
Winners will be honoured for their contributions to shaping industries, influencing policy and uplifting communities across the continent.
In addition, five honorary recognitions will be awarded to women whose lifetime achievements have transformed societies and built lasting national legacies.
Organisers emphasised that the awards are not only about recognition but also about redefining Africa’s development narrative.
“We’re setting a continental stage to say plainly: women’s leadership is Africa’s advantage,” the statement said.
Nominations remain open to women demonstrating exceptional impact and commitment in their respective fields, as the awards continue to position female leadership at the heart of Africa’s progress.
The Thamani Africa Awards aim to celebrate and amplify the voices of women across the continent, recognizing their contributions in various fields such as governance, sports, and arts. This initiative reflects a broader movement towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Africa, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and influencing policy decisions. The awards not only honor individual achievements but also seek to inspire future generations of female leaders by showcasing successful role models.
