Kalasha Awards 2026 Announces Nominees and Introduces Content Creator Category

The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) unveiled the nominees for the 14th Kalasha International Film and TV Awards 2026 during a lively ceremony at Panari Hotel, Nairobi. A big highlight this year is the introduction of a new category for Content Creators, reflecting the growing importance of digital storytelling in Kenya. KFC CEO Timothy Owase noted that 185 entries were received across 40 categories, and each winner will bag KSh 200,000. Owase also highlighted how Kenyan storytelling is improving in quality and has global potential, calling for more support from government and stakeholders. Judges commended production standards but noted that storytelling depth and character development could still improve. The awards cover film, TV drama, documentaries, animation, student films, and include People’s Choice Awards. Notable nominees in film include ‘Nawi,’ ‘Sukari,’ and ‘Owadwa,’ while TV drama favourites include ‘Kash Money’ and ‘MTV Shuga Mashariki.’ This year’s Kalasha Awards show a shift towards recognizing not only traditional filmmakers but also digital content creators, indicating the evolving landscape of Kenya’s entertainment industry.