The 14th Kalasha International Film and TV Awards were held on May 2, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The annual ceremony, organised by the Kenya Film Commission, recognises excellence in Kenya’s creative industry.
The night was marked by major wins for local productions, with Nawi and Sukari emerging as the biggest winners, scooping multiple awards.
The event was attended by senior dignitaries, including President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretary Susan Mangeni, and political consultant Dennis Itumbi, among others.
Here is the full list of winners:
Film category winners
Best Lead Actor in a Film: Juma Mdoe (Abbas) – Sukari
Best Lead Actress in a Film: Michelle Lemuya (Nawi) – Nawi
Best Supporting Actor in a Film: Jave Samson (Musa) – Sukari
Best Supporting Actress in a Film: Ivy Collette (Mary) – Owadwa
Best Feature Film: Nawi – Brizan Were, Lydia Wrensch and Caroline Heim
Best Short Film: Sukari – June Wairegi
Best Documentary: The People Shall – Mark Maina and Nick Wambugu
Best Kenyan Indigenous Language Film: Sarah – Sarah Tenoi, Nick Reding and Amos Leuka
Best Animation Production: Lore – Mary Wanjiku
Technical category winners
Best Original Screenplay: June Wairegi and Omar Hamza – Sukari
Best Director: Omar Hamza – Sukari
Best Sound Designer: Eric Musyoka – Sarah
Best Gaffer: Walter Odhiambo – The Dog
Best Make-Up: John “Suki” Michuki Kibunguri – 2-Assunder
Best Costume Designer: Viva Njeri – Nawi
Best Editor: Mark Maina – The People Shall
Best Director of Photography: Andrew Mungai and Baker Karim – The Dog
Best Visual Effects (VFX): Damien Hauser – Memory of Princess Mumbi
Best Film Score: Frank Matovu – Sukari
Best Production Designer: Erikson Kang’ethe – Nawi
Television category winners
People’s Choice Award (TV Drama): MTV Shuga Mashariki – Kevin Njue
Best TV Drama: Kash Money – Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson
Best Lead Actor in a TV Drama: John Sibi Okumu (Joe) – Kash Money
Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama: June Njenga – Big Girl Small World
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama: Lenana Kariba (Njagi) – Kash Money
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama: Amara Tari (Cate Njenga) – Kash Money
Best Director (TV): Grace Kahaki and Philippe Bresson – Kash Money
Best Scriptwriter: Angela Ruhinda – Big Girl Small World
Special recognition awards
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Karanja
Positive Impact Content Creator of the Year: Shiksha Arora
Best Children’s Production: Ndemwa – Michael Mutahi
Best International Award: Jimbi – Talemwa Pius (Uganda)
Jury Award: Memory of Princess Mumbi – Damien Hauser
Digital Content Creator of the Year: Edwin Wainaina (Kadusko)
Best Student Documentary: The Inkidongi – Kenya Film School
Best Student Film: Dinner for Three – Brian Kabogozza (Multichoice Talent Factory)