Editor's Review

Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir has been recognised as Kenya’s Youth and Creative Arts Empowerment Champion of the Year 2026.

Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir has been recognised as Kenya’s Youth and Creative Arts Empowerment Champion of the Year 2026 at the 9th Edition of the Africa Champions Awards International.

Bashir received the recognition in acknowledgment of her role in advancing youth empowerment and promoting creative arts and cultural development in Kenya.

In a statement on Sunday, October 18, she said the award celebrated the talent and creativity of young people and reflected ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for them through cultural and artistic initiatives.

"This recognition is a celebration of the incredible talent, resilience, and ingenuity of our young people, whose creative aspirations continue to inspire the work we undertake in expanding opportunities, strengthening cultural institutions, and positioning culture and the arts as catalysts of economic transformation," she wrote.

Bashir also expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for entrusting her with the responsibility of advancing the national mandate on culture and heritage, while acknowledging the contributions of artists and cultural practitioners.

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"I am particularly grateful to President William Samoei Ruto for entrusting me with the responsibility of advancing this important national mandate, and to the dedicated teams, artists, and cultural practitioners whose contributions continue to enrich our country’s creative landscape," she added.

File image of Culture and Heritage Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir receiving the award

Bashir said the recognition had renewed her commitment to supporting artistic excellence, empowering young people and promoting cultural prosperity.

"My sincere appreciation to Africa Champions Awards International for this distinguished recognition and the renewed inspiration it brings to our collective pursuit of artistic excellence, youth empowerment, and cultural prosperity. Congratulations to all winners," she further said.

This comes days after Nominated MP Harold Kipchumba won the Distinguished Polio Advocacy Award by the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA).

In a statement on Wednesday October 14, the National Assembly said the award is in recognition of Kipchumba’s commitment to polio eradication and disability rights. 

According to the National Assembly, Kipchumba was honoured for his courage, persistence, ability to build trust and sustained commitment to service, in efforts to protect children from polio and promote inclusion for persons with disabilities.

"Nominated Member of Parliament Hon. Harold Kipchumba has been named the winner of the Distinguished Polio Advocacy Award by the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy (RCWDA).

"The award is in recognition of his commitment to polio eradication and disability rights," the statement read.

Kipchumba will be formally be presented with the award on October 24 during the World Polio Day. 

Speaking after being notified of the award, he said the recognition highlights the importance of community engagement and sustained advocacy in immunization campaigns. 

"Hon. Kipchumba said the award highlights the importance of community engagement and sustained advocacy in immunization campaigns, particularly in areas where public confidence in vaccination remains a challenge," the statement added.