FIA Formula 4 driver Shane Chandaria beat Kariobangi Sharks sensation Humphrey Aroko to win the Most Promising Young Player award at the 22nd edition of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Friday night.
Chandaria made history by becoming the youngest-ever champion of the FIA-certified Indian Formula 4 and the first Kenyan to achieve the feat. Aroko finished as second runner-up after an impressive 2025/26 Kenya Premier League season, where he has grown in influence at both club level with Kariobangi Sharks and the national U-20 side. Chess Kenya youngster Jardon Simiyu was named first runner-up in the category.
Reigning world champions Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Beatrice Chebet were crowned overall Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for the second consecutive year.
Wanyonyi beat Sebastian Sawe and Ryan Ogam to the men’s title, who finished as first and second runners-up respectively. Chebet, who won double gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m, was voted best ahead of fellow world champions Faith Kipyegon and Faith Cherotich.
Nairobi United was named Men’s Team of the Year after a historic 2024/25 season that saw them clinch a cup double, winning both the National Super League title and the Mozzart Bet Cup.
The Harambee Starlets were named Women’s Team of the Year first runners-up, following their historic qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations under head coach Beldine Odemba.
In volleyball, the Junior Malkia Strikers were named Women’s Team of the Year, with head coach Jackline Baraza winning the Coach of the Year award.
In disability sports, Ian Wambui and Sheila Wanyonyi were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively.
At the grassroots level, Geoffrey Simiyu of Moi Girls Kamusinga was named School Coach of the Year, while the school also won the Girls’ School Team of the Year award. St. Luke’s Kimilili claimed the Boys’ School Team of the Year title.
The gala also honoured legends, with athletics icon Tegla Loroupe and rugby pioneer Edward Rombo inducted into the SOYA Hall of Fame.
The event, which celebrates outstanding performances in 2025 across various sports disciplines, was graced by Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie.
