Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa is among a select group of Kenyans nominated for The Unstoppable Africa Awards 2026. The awards ceremony will take place in Nairobi, bringing together African leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs, artists, and public figures. According to the event's organizers, the nominations followed an evaluation process by an Independent Research Council. Barasa's nomination is a testament to his efforts in his constituency.

During his two terms as MP, Barasa claims his administration has rebuilt 92 per cent of the primary schools in Kimilili Constituency. He utilized National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) resources to remove mud-walled classrooms, provide student bursaries, and overhaul learning institutions. This has significantly improved the education sector in his constituency.

Barasa received a 73 per cent approval rating in the 2026 Infotrak Elected Leaders Performance Rating, ranking fifth nationally among MPs. The survey evaluated legislators on accessibility, accountability, and fulfillment of campaign promises. This rating demonstrates his effectiveness as a leader and his commitment to serving his constituents.

Seven other Kenyans have been nominated alongside Barasa for The Unstoppable Africa Awards 2026. Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Cabinet Secretaries Beatrice Askul and Geoffrey Ruku are among the nominees. They are recognized for their outstanding performance in their respective roles, with Askul and Ruku nominated under the category of The Unstoppable Africa's Best Performing Minister.

The Unstoppable Africa Awards 2026 also acknowledges Kenya's spirit of philanthropy and community impact. Comedian and philanthropist Eric Omondi and industrialist Manu Chandaria are the only two Kenyans nominated under The Unstoppable Community Builder of the Year. Their contributions to community development and humanitarian work have earned them a spot among the nominees.

The digital space is also represented by Kenyans, with comedy giants Crazy Kennar, Jaymo De Cin, and Andrew Kibe listed as nominees under The Unstoppable Africa's Content Creator of the Year. Other notable Kenyans nominated include Mark Ogendi, CEO of Kenya Utalii College, Dr. Anita Nyanjong, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, and US-based actress Lupita Nyong’o.

The nominated Kenyans will compete with African greats from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, and beyond. As Barasa looks ahead to the 2027 elections, he has expressed interest in running for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat. His proposed platform includes initiatives such as free maternity care, expanded telemedicine coverage, and agricultural policies to support local maize farmers.

Key points

  • MP Didmus Barasa is among Kenyan leaders nominated for The Unstoppable Africa Awards 2026.
  • The awards ceremony will take place in Nairobi, recognizing African leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs, artists, and public figures.
  • Barasa received a 73 per cent approval rating in the 2026 Infotrak Elected Leaders Performance Rating, ranking fifth nationally among MPs.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.