'Mama Kayai' among actors crowned in Women in Film Awards

The Kenyan film industry converged on Friday to celebrate female screenplay excellence during the 7th edition of the Women in Film Awards (WIFA).

The annual awards recognize the achievements, creativity, and influence of women in the film, television, and digital content industries while creating a platform to highlight female storytellers both in front of and behind the camera.

This year’s ceremony featured numerous categories recognizing outstanding work in directing, producing, acting, cinematography, digital storytelling, and many more, reflecting the wide range of roles women continue to play in the creative sector. 

Nominees were selected from projects released between January 2023 and October 2025, showcasing the growing contribution of women in Kenya’s film industry.

Among those recognized was veteran actress Mary Khavere, popularly known for her iconic role as Mama Kayai in the popular comical show Vitimbi.

She received the award for Most Influential Woman Filmmaker, acknowledging her long-standing contribution to the industry.

While receiving the recognition, Khavere encouraged women in the creative industry to continue pushing forward and to support one another.

“Women should keep pushing and appreciating each other,” she said, emphasizing the importance of unity among female creatives.

The awards also recognised child actors, acknowledging young talent and demonstrating the industry’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers.

Some of them include 15-year-old Hadassah Precious who won the best child actress category. She has appeared in notable shows like Single Kiasi, Njoro wa Uber, House helps, Sue and Johnny and other short films.

Alma Mwangi (16) also won the best newcomer producer for her YouTube series Coastal Rhythms.

Mwende Kingori also won the best actress for TV drama and Shiksha Arora was crowned the best digital content creator.

 

Among the notable guests was Charlene Ruto who encouraged women to believe in themselves and support one another.

Supported by organizations including the Kenya Film Commission, the awards continue to champion inclusivity, mentorship, and visibility for women in Kenya’s growing creative industry.

Beyond the glamour of the night, the event served as a reminder that while audiences often remember the films they watch, it is equally important to celebrate the creators behind the stories especially the women shaping Kenya’s film and television landscape.