2025 Award Winners
18th - 19th October 2025
Kilifi, Kenya
YORA AWARDS CATEGORIES WINNERS
FILM AWARDS
YORA International Film Awards
The YORA International Film Awards celebrate visionary filmmakers and storytellers who use cinema as a catalyst for social impact, innovation, and cultural transformation.
On behalf of the entire YORA 2025 International Film Festival team, we extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for submitting your work to our festival.
We are truly humbled by the trust you have placed in us by sharing your films. The sheer volume, diversity, and profound quality of the submissions we received have left us in awe. From every corner of the globe, you have sent us stories that made us laugh, cry, think, and see the world through a new lens. Your creativity is the lifeblood of this festival, and we are honored to have been a part of your journey, if only for a moment.
The selection process is now complete, and regardless of the final selection, please know that your voice matters. You have contributed to a global conversation through the powerful medium of cinema, and for that, we thank you.
Stay connected with us on our social media channels for updates. We look forward to celebrating the art of filmmaking with you. With immense gratitude,
The YORA 2025 International Film Festival Team
Kilifi Creek Festival Film Awards
The inaugural Kilifi Creek Festival, held in collaboration with the YORA International Film Awards, celebrated exceptional storytellers who are reshaping the future of African cinema. The awards recognized creativity, impact, and storytelling brilliance across diverse categories — from short films to documentaries and socially transformative narratives.
For individuals connecting global and East African television and cinema.
🏅 Winner: Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
For the filmmaker whose passion and effort lit up the festival with the most films on screen.
🏅 Winner: Karanja Ng’endo
For exceptional contribution to the growth and reconnection of Kenya’s film ecosystem.
Industry Recognition: Fibby Kioria
Festival Director: Kevin Mwachiro
Festival Manager: Wakarima Wangui
For individuals inspiring social impact through film.
🏅 Winner: Rhoda Nafula Wekesa (Widow Champion)
Kilifi Film and Arts Festival Awards
The Kilifi Film and Arts Festival Awards celebrate the intersection of film, music, visual art, and performance, honoring artists whose work embodies creativity, cultural preservation, and collaboration.
The awards spotlight diverse disciplines within the creative economy, providing a platform where filmmakers, musicians, visual artists, and performers converge to showcase the richness of Kilifi’s artistic landscape.
A bold drama exploring love, resilience, and human choices through the story of a woman navigating her marriage in the face of her husband's disability. It raises powerful questions of loyalty, morality, and unseen truths.
A captivating narrative about a woman returning to her home, only to be confronted by a man from her past who threatens to reveal life-changing secrets. The film blends suspense, family bonds, and the complexities of truth.
A culturally rich documentary showcasing the role of cashew nut production in Kilifi. It celebrates the region's agricultural heritage while highlighting opportunities for community empowerment and economic growth.
A light-hearted and highly entertaining comedy about a couple entangled in humor-filled twists of love, suspicion, and mischief. Its playful storytelling kept audiences laughing while reflecting on everyday relationships.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS
Innovation and Business Excellence
The Innovation and Business Excellence Awards celebrate the visionary entrepreneurs and businesses driving Africa’s future. This category honors achievements in groundbreaking ideas, strategic growth, and sustainable impact. It includes awards for top startups, disruptive technology, climate resilience, and social entrepreneurship, recognizing those who combine innovative spirit with exceptional execution to create meaningful economic and societal value.
Description: Celebrating the most promising and dynamic startup that has demonstrated rapid growth, innovation, and potential for long-term success in Africa's entrepreneurial landscape.
Winner:
Fernandes Benjamin – NALA
Finalists:
Green Jit Bhattacharya, Johnathan – BasiGo
Jepchumba Mercy – Orikam Group Limited
Josphat Nyota – Kocha Hub
Lawania Rishabh – Badili
Maimbu Allan – Faras
Ng'ok Harriet Chebet – Harriet's Botanicals
Royford Joy – Chikichillies leatherline
Description: Honor given to a business or entrepreneur who has implemented effective strategies to address climate change challenges while promoting sustainable business practices.
Winner:
- Baha Cynthia Amina – Kabibi's Touch
Finalists:
Green Jit Bhattachariya, Johnathan – BasiGo
Julius Owino – Taka Bank Social Enterprise
Mugwe Manga – Olsuswa Energy
Pabari Ben Norison, Ali Skanda, Dipesh – Flip Flop Project Foundation
Sikulu Rose – Fibertext Green Paper Ltd
Ussene Michel – African Power Energy / MITRA Energy
Description: Recognition of the entrepreneur or business that has developed the most groundbreaking and disruptive business concept with the potential for widespread adoption and impact.
Winner:
- Josiah Tedd – Jokajok
Finalists:
Gachigi Abigail and Francis Nderitu – Keep It Cool / Markiti
Kiruki Nkatha – Ananse Africa
Ng'ok Harriet Chebet – Harriet's Botanicals
Pabari Ben Norison, Ali Skanda, Dipesh – Flip Flop Project Foundation
Description: Recognizing the entrepreneur or organization that has leveraged technology in the most innovative and impactful way to solve problems, drive efficiency, or create new opportunities in Africa.
Winner:
- Muriuki Collins – Terra Software Limited
Finalists:
Gachigi Francis Nderitu and Abigail – Keep It Cool / Markiti
Muuo Kiko – Angaza Elimu
Wandia Cynthia – Kwara
Description: Acknowledgment of a young entrepreneur (under a certain age limit) who has presented the most creative and innovative business concept with the potential for significant impact.
Winner:
- Muriuki Collins – Terra Software Limited
Finalists:
Muuo Kiko – Angaza Elimu
Nasaka Elizabeth – United Village Global
Ndungu Mumbi – Power Learn Project
Niyorukundo Regine – Parentude
Royford Joy – Chikichillies Leatherline
Description: Honoring an individual or organization with exemplary leadership and dedication to uplifting and empowering communities through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, or social initiatives.
Winner:
- Emanman Samuel Ewoi – Amuro Nakitalio Charitable Organization(ANCO)
Finalists:
Isaac Mwabonje – Innovation Hub
Shaunei Gerber – Futurelect
Description: Outstanding performance in highlighting diaspora success stories, giving businesses a voice, and uplifting social issues with an African perspective.
Winner:
- Madowo Larry – CNN
Finalists:
Ackon Berthold Kobby Winkler – Wade Maya
Chamwada Alex – Chams Media
Description: Tribute to the entrepreneur or organization that has significantly contributed to advancing business and economic development in Africa through innovation, job creation, and community engagement.
Winner:
- Faye Michael – Tap Tap Send
Finalists:
Diaz Chris – Adili Group
Fernandes Benjamin – NALA
Wandia Cynthia – Kwara
Description: Highlighting an entrepreneur or organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to addressing social or environmental challenges through innovative business models and solutions.
Winner:
- Nyaga Caroline – Women in Stem initiative
Finalists:
Mongare Erastus – StartUpAfrica, Inc.
Nasaka Elizabeth – United Village Global
Njau Sonnie – Men Impact Change
Njeru Wawira – Food for Education Foundation
Description: Recognition for the development of concepts and implementation of projects/initiatives that showcase film and provide essential resources in building a sustainable film and/or performing arts sector.
Winner:
- Joy Mboya – The Creative Economy Working Group
Finalists:
Timothy Odhiambo Owase – Kenya Film Commission
Abudu Mo – Ebony Life Creative Academy
Description: Recognizing an entrepreneur or organization that has made significant strides in promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs) through their business practices, initiatives, or contributions to the community.
Winner:
- Mathai Wanjira – The Greenbelt Movement
Finalists:
Bedi Jaswinder – Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) / Bedi Investments
Maingi Grace – Kenya Community Development Foundation
Njuguna Mary (Dr) – Gusii Mental Health Awareness (Psychiatrist)
Description: Celebrating women entrepreneurs who have shown remarkable promise, leadership, and innovation in driving business growth and societal impact.
Winner:
- Gichuru Wandia – Vivo Fashion Group
Finalists:
Kamau Nyambura – Viwanda
Nyaga Caroline – Women IN STEAM Initiative
Nyamumbo Margaret – Kahawa 1893
Sikulu Rose – Fibertext Green Paper Ltd
Description: This award Recognizes an outstanding entrepreneur who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in their respective industry or field.
Winner:
- Fernandes Benjamin – NALA
Finalists:
Gichuru Wandia – Vivo Fashion Group
Mugwe Manga – Olsuswa Energy
Ussene Michel – African Power Energy / MITRA Energy
Wandia Cynthia – Kwara
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
Lifetime Achievement Award
The YORA Lifetime Achievement Award is the summit’s most prestigious honor, reserved for a select few iconic individuals whose lifelong work has fundamentally shaped Africa’s business and social landscape.
Eric Kimani has been active for many decades in business, leadership roles, and
philanthropy. He has held senior positions across sectors: finance/accounting,
tea/coffee agribusiness, real estate, dairy processing, non-profit boards. He started modestly with “milk hawking” (selling directly in small scale) in the mid-1990s alongside his corporate employment.
His Impact on Community and Business sector Through Palmhouse Dairies, he identified a market gap in Kenya’s dairy sector and built a processing and distribution business supplying high-end institutional clients. This not only supplied needed product volumes but supported local dairy farmers. As a board member, chairman, and non-executive director in multiple companies and organisations (I&M Bank, KTDA, Sameer, etc.), he has influenced corporate governance, business strategy, risk and audit practices.
In the philanthropic realm: Palmhouse Foundation finances secondary education for needy and deserving students. Through Rotary, HelpAge, Brooke East Africa etc., he contributes to community health, aging, education etc He has excelled in Leadership & Innovation, Consistency of Excellence, Contribution to Africa / Pan-African Development, Role Modelling and Legacy
Born in 1962 in Kangema, Kenya; raised by his mother after his father died early. Education: University of Nairobi (Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting), CPA Kenya. Early career: auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers, then Ernst & Young, then Trade Bank. Joined Equity (then Equity Building Society) in 1991 as Finance & Operations Director then took over as the CEO in 2004.
Impact on Community and Business Transformed Equity from a small, struggling building society into a major banking group with presence in multiple countries in East & Central Africa. Pioneered financial inclusion: reaching underserved populations, MSMEs, refugees, rural clients etc. Philanthropic and social investment: Wings to Fly scholarship program for needy students; Equity Group Foundation investing in health, education, agriculture, enterprise development etc.
He has excelled in Leadership & Innovation, Consistency of Excellence, Contribution to Africa / Pan-African Development, Role Modelling and Legacy.
Her career began in the late 1960s when she joined Barclays Bank’s management trainee programme in July 1967. Over the years, she held various roles in banking, international finance institutions, microfinance, NGO/public service, and education. She retired from active management of Makini Schools in 2018.
Impact on Community / Business Banking & Women’s Financial Access: She was instrumental in recognizing that women had very limited access to financial products. She founded the Barclays Bank Women’s Association and later the Kenya Women’s Finance Trust (KWFT), enabling women to access loans, credit, and financial services. Education: Founded Makini Schools in 1978 (initially small with 8 students) which expanded to multiple campuses, educating thousands and becoming a prestigious educational institution in Kenya.
Policy & Advocacy: As senior adviser to the President of African Development Bank; vice-president of Women’s World Banking; involved in removing discriminatory banking laws against women; sensitizing the public about financial rights of women. She has excelled in Leadership & Innovation, Consistency of Excellence, Contribution to Africa / Pan-African Development, Role Modelling and Legacy
Masterclass and YORA Trustee Excellence Award
An award presented to individuals who have led to impact through knowledge transfer in various fields.
Presented to Bruno Smadja
His unique role, particularly through the special African edition (Mobile Film Festival Africa), which highlights African filmmakers, has been instrumental. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his dedicated hard work and outstanding performance in the Film and theatre sector.
The festival has also distributed grants/prizes to winners to help with production and professionalization. The themes in recent editions often engage with major social issues: climate change, human rights, women’s empowerment, migration, etc.
In appreciation of his exceptional efforts, he will receive an award as a Masterclass and YORA Trustee Excellence Award, Film and Theatre 2025.
Presented to James Musyoka
His unique role, particularly through the AI and Robotics program where for the second consecutive year, a Kenya Connect team participating in the World Robotics Olympiad in Nairobi won First Place in the Senior Division and will represent Kenya in Singapore. The “Lobster Team” from Kilembwa Secondary School beat 35 teams, many well-resourced public and private schools on June 28th, 2025 with the task to equip a Space Station on Mars, the Kilembwa Lobster Team created and coded a robot to nimbly execute the assigned tasks.
Mbakaini Girls high school did Kenya connect proud in 2024 by winning the
World Robotics Olympiad in Nairobi and representing Kenya in Turkey. Special recognition goes to Patrick Munguti a mostly self-taught in computing/technology but has also formal education in Natural Resource Management from Egerton University. His diligent work with the AI and Robotics teams is exemplary.
In appreciation of his exceptional efforts, he will receive an award as a Masterclass and YORA Trustee Excellence Award, AI and Robotics 2025.
Presented to His Excellency Prof Bitange Ndemo
His unique role, has been particularly fundamental as a pivotal figure in advancing Kenya’s tech diplomacy, leveraging his expertise as a policymaker, academic, and diplomat to position Kenya as a leader in Africa’s digital landscape. Your work aligns technology with international relations, fostering economic partnerships and inclusive digital ecosystems.
Notable includes Laying the Foundation for Kenya Digital infrastructure, Policy reforms, European Union collaborations, international relations among others. He has consistently delivered exemplary work, constantly striving to improve and inspire those around him.
In appreciation of his exceptional efforts, he will receive an award as a Masterclass and YORA Trustee Excellence Award, Tech Diplomacy 2025.
Presented to Adilah Mohammad
Her unique role, has been particularly fundamental as an African American who founded Adilah Relocation Services in Kenya. She moved to Kenya (Malindi, Kilifi County) after her mother’s funeral — seeking healing and a deeper connection to her roots. Her Initiative and Service core aim is helping African Americans (and people of African descent more broadly) to relocate to Kenya in a smooth and supported way. Key services include:
Handling immigration paperwork — visas, legal immigration documents.
Assisting with housing: house-hunting (finding homes), helping with banking, medical services. Helping clients settle in: furnishing homes, integrating into local life. Promoting the idea of reconnecting with roots, mental / emotional restoration, belonging. Many clients see this as not just geographic relocation but a reconnection with heritage.
In appreciation of her exceptional efforts, She will receive an award as a Masterclass and YORA Trustee Excellence Award, Diaspora Relocation Initiative 2025.