Nawi, Sukari and Kash Money Dominate 14th Kalasha Awards

Three Kenyan productions owned the night at the 14th Kalasha International Film and TV Awards, held on May 2, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. Feature film 'Nawi' claimed five prizes including Best Feature Film and Best Lead Actress for Michelle Lemuya Ikeny; short film 'Sukari' swept its category with five honours; and TV drama 'Kash Money' took Best TV Drama alongside four further awards. President Ruto closed the evening by raising category prize money from Sh200,000 to Sh500,000.

A Night Dominated by Three Productions

'Nawi' claimed Best Feature Film and Best Lead Actress for Michelle Lemuya Ikeny. Omar Hamza's 'Sukari' swept the short film category, claiming Best Short Film, Best Director, and Best Lead Actor for Juma Mdoe. On television, 'Kash Money' dominated the drama category with Best TV Drama, Best Lead Actor for John Sibi Okumu, and Best Supporting Actor for Lenana Kariba. June Njenga separately claimed Best Lead Actress in Television for 'Big Girl Small World'.

What Comes Next

KFCB is expected to open the 2026–27 Kalasha submission window later in the year. Industry observers are simultaneously tracking Parliament's deliberations on the Creative Economy Bill 2026.