Kenyan Influencer Awards 2026

Celebrating the voices that move Kenya.

Recognising the creators, personalities and digital innovators shaping conversations, culture and communities across Kenya.

Vote on Vockte Africa Explore the categories

Nominations for this edition are closed.

Voting closes in

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Nominations
Closed
Closed 30 October 2026
Public voting
Live on Vockte Africa
Closes 3 December 2026 at 23:59
Gala night
6 December 2026
Sapphire Ballroom, Golden Tulip Westlands, Nairobi

A KIA winner receiving their trophy on stage

About KIA

Influence is a responsibility.

The Kenyan Influencer Awards (KIA) is a national recognition platform dedicated to celebrating the digital creators, influencers, mentors and leaders who are shaping Kenya’s culture, conversations and creative economy. From established voices to upcoming talent just beginning to make their mark, KIA celebrates creators who build engaged communities, tell Kenyan stories, grow brands and use their reach for good.

Our vision

To become Kenya’s most respected platform for recognizing digital influence, creative excellence and positive impact.

Our mission

To identify, recognize, celebrate and promote outstanding Kenyan influencers and content creators who demonstrate creativity, authenticity, integrity and meaningful impact on their audiences and communities.

Creativity
Authenticity
Integrity
Meaningful impact

How it works

From nomination to the gala stage

Nominate
The public and creators submit nominations across every category.
Consolidate
The KIA team reviews and consolidates all qualifying nominees.
Vote
Fans vote for their favourite creators on the Vockte Africa platform.
Celebrate
Winners are crowned live at the KIA 2026 Gala in Nairobi.

Award categories

40 categories across 8 areas of influence

From fashion to fintech, comedy to climate action, KIA recognises creators across Kenya’s full digital landscape.

Lifestyle, Fashion and Beauty

Fashion
Beauty
Makeup Artist
Modeling
Travel & Lifestyle
Food
Family & Parenting

Creative Arts and Entertainment

Comedy (incl. Memes)
Actor/Screen Talent
Dance
Visual Artist
Video Creator
Podcast
Content Creator (Blog/Vlog)
Poetry

Music and Performance

Music Content Creator
Music Influencer
DJ
Hip Hop/Rap
Events MC

Business, Finance and Technology

Business & Entrepreneurship
Finance & Investment
Real Estate
Automotive
Technology & Innovation

Education, Media and Information

Education
Media Personality
News & Current Affairs

Sports, Fitness and Wellness

Sports
Gaming & Esports
Fitness & Wellness
Health & Wellness Educator

Social Impact, Culture and Community

Humanitarian
Environmental & Sustainability
Social Impact & Community
Culture & Heritage
Inspirational

Overall and Emerging Talent

Influencer of the Year
Rising Star
Junior Rising Star

The highest honour

The KIA Icon Influencer

The ultimate honour of the night: one award for the single most influential creator across all categories. It is judged on real, measurable influence tracked weekly throughout the programme, including engagement on KIA’s posts about each nominee, a review of their own pages and the way they interact with their fans. Public votes count, but carry less weight for this award.

The gala