The 15th Sports Personality of the Year Award (SOYA) went down on Friday at the historical Fort Jesus in Mombasa, where several Kenyan sports men and women were recognized.
Marathon World Record holder Eliud Kipchoge was named the overall Sports Personality of the Year at the Year. He was also named the Male Sports Personality of the Year Award.
Coach Mohammed Kheri and athlete Rose Tata Muya were inducted into SOYA Hall of Fame.
Kipchoge beat Kenya Sevens star Willy Ambaka, Harambee Stars shot stopper Patrick Matasi, 1500m World, Commonwealth and African champion Elijah Manangoi and 3,000m steeplechase compatriot Conseslus Kipruto to win the award.
World Record Holder Beatrice Chepkoech was named the best female sports personality beating boxer Fatuma Zarika, Kenya Lionesses star Janet ‘Shebesh’ Okello, 5,000m World and African champion Hellen Obiri.
Ivorian sprints queen Jose Maria Ta Lou, A silver medalist at both the 100m and 200m at the World Championships was the Chief Guest.
Other leaders were Rashid Echesa, the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Paul Tergat, the founder and chair of SOYA awards among other guests.
The winners are below:
CHARLES MGHENYI