Veteran Kenyan actress Mary Khvere, popularly known as Mama Kayai, will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Performing Arts during the Myogenic Excellence Awards 2025.
The event will be held on Saturday, July 19, at the United Brethren Restoration Centre in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
The awards ceremony will run alongside the Myogenic Africa Mentorship Program, which targets upcoming creatives and professionals in the diaspora and across Africa.
“We’re looking forward to an amazing event – the 2025 Myogenic Mentorship Program and Excellence Awards at UBRC Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 19th,” confirmed Solomon Omboto, the CEO of Myogenic Africa Talent Academy.
Who is Mama Kayai?
Mama Kayai is best remembered for her role in the iconic Vitimbi comedy series aired on the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
She is known for her long-standing contribution to the performing arts industry in Kenya.
Her consistent relevance, humility, and resilience in the creative sector have earned her national admiration.
Organisers described her as a true mirror of how to manage fame with dignity.
“As the CEO of Myogenic Africa Talent Academy, I’m thrilled to announce that our first team, led by Mama Kayai, is arriving at Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) right now! My team and I are on the ground to welcome them,” Solomon Omboto shared.
Other Honorees and Nominees
Mama Kayai will be accompanied to the event by Rachael Njeri Wainaina, a creative educator and filmmaker.
Rachael has been nominated for the Pan-African Visionary Award for her work in creative industry transformation and youth empowerment.
“Honoured to be in the same frame with extraordinary Kenyan legends, Mama Kayai, a timeless icon of our screens,” said Rachael.
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Other notable individuals expected to receive awards include Hon. Huldah Momanyi, a Kenyan legislator serving in the State of Minnesota, actor Abel Amunga, former Kenya Film Classification Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua, and comedian and media personality Walter Mong’are, also known as Nyambane.
About the Awards and Mentorship Program
The Myogenic Africa Mentorship Program and Excellence Awards are organized by the Myogenic Africa Talent Academy, founded by Solomon Ongere Omboto, a retired U.S. Army officer and native of Keroka in Nyamira County.
The awards aim to recognize African creatives whose talents thrive from within, a concept drawn from the biological term “myogenic”, referring to the heart’s ability to beat on its own.
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The mentorship program will include training, guidance, and networking opportunities for emerging talents in areas such as film, media, and performance.
Solomon and his wife Caroline have dedicated their efforts to supporting creative talent both in Kenya and in the diaspora. Through the academy, they have mentored many young people and provided platforms to grow their skills.
Organisers say the event will be held annually and will expand to include more countries and categories in future editions.
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