Safaricom announced a Ksh2 million sponsorship for the 2023 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) to commemorate 20 years since its inception.
The annual event aims to recognise the country’s top-performing sports personalities across all disciplines.
The event was graced by 1,000 guests and was hosted at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on March 1, 2024.
This year’s SOYA had 13 categories, including the school contest, which makes a return after a one-year hiatus. Reigning East Africa hockey and volleyball champions Nyamira Girls from Siaya and Kwanzanthe from Machakos counties are among the contenders. Other categories include; Sports Personality of the Year award, Sportswoman/man of the year, Team of the year Men/women, Sportswoman/man living with a disability, Coach of the Year award, School Team of the Year (Boy/Girl) among others.
“Safaricom has been on this journey with SOYA since its beginning 20 years ago and has invested over KES 300 million in cash and kind. The vision and leadership of Dr. Paul Tergat has made the platform what it is today, and we are proud to be associated with such an integral and renowned sporting asset in Kenya. We as Safaricom are very passionate about transforming the lives of our customers, especially through their passion points, and that is why we have invested heavily in sports to provide opportunities for Kenyans to thrive in the things they love,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO Safaricom PLC.