MP Didmus Barasa among Kenyan leaders nominated for Unstoppable Africa Awards

Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa is among a select host of Kenyans nominated for The Unstoppable Africa Awards 2026.

The upcoming awards ceremony will take place in Nairobi, hosting various 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.

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

In the 2026 Infotrak Elected Leaders Performance Rating, Barasa received a 73 per cent approval rating, moving up to the fifth position nationally among MPs.

The survey evaluated legislators on accessibility, accountability, and the fulfillment of campaign promises.

In a show of excellence, seven other Kenyans have made it to the final nomination list, where they will face off against Africa's greatest icons.

Also among the nominees is Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Cabinet Secretaries Beatrice Askul, (East African Community Affairs) and Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service).

They are both nominated under the coveted category of The Unstoppable Africa's Best Performing Minister.

Kenya's spirit of philanthropy and community impact is also represented by celebrated comedian and philanthropist Eric Omondi and legendary industrialist and humanitarian Manu Chandaria, who are the only two Kenyans nominated under The Unstoppable Community Builder of the Year.

The digital space has also seen a Kenyan takeover, with comedy giants Crazy Kennar, Jaymo De Cin, and Andrew Kibe listed as the only Kenyans under The Unstoppable Africa's Content Creator of the Year.

Mark Ogendi, CEO of Kenya Utalii College, Dr. Anita Nyanjong, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and US-based Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o are also nominees in various categories.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Barasa has signaled intentions to run for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat, months after he was named a Sabaot Elder in Mt. Elgon.

His proposed platform includes free maternity care, free inter-hospital ambulance services, expanded telemedicine coverage, road construction equipment allocations for every sub-county, and agricultural policies to support local maize farmers.

The nominated Kenyans will now battle it out with other African greats from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt and beyond.