Free entry · Registration required

Celebrating voices, stories and change makers

SMH Awards 2026
Official Programme

A day of recognition, connection and impact — honouring the people and organisations advancing mental health in Kenya.

Days
Hours
Mins
Secs
12th September 2026
YWCA – Young Women Christian Association
Nairobi, Kenya
From 1:00 PM

Guests of the ceremony

Key roles for Awards Day. Names will be published once confirmed.

Chief Guest

Vick Ndiema

Guest of Honour

Kinya Gitonga - Founder SMH

Master of Ceremony

Mc. Nisa

Collaboration

Partners standing with us

Organisations and makers sharing the SMH Awards stage.

Awards Day programme

A clear run of the afternoon — from arrival to networking.

Official programme 12th September 2026 · From 1:00 PM
1:00 PM

Arrival & Registration

Guests, nominees and partners arrive, register and take their seats.

1:30 PM

Welcome & Networking

An open moment to meet nominees, organisations and the SMH community.

2:00 PM

Official Opening

Welcome remarks and the vision behind the Sound Mental Health Awards 2026.

2:15 PM

Address by Guest of Honour

Remarks from the Guest of Honour.

2:30 PM

The Mental Health Conversation

A focused conversation on awareness, advocacy and supportive communities.

3:00 PM

Nominee Recognition

Celebrating all nominees for their contribution to mental health and wellbeing.

3:20 PM

Partner & Community Appreciation

Recognising partners, volunteers, sponsors and community supporters.

3:40 PM

Awards Presentation

Presentation of trophies and certificates across the nine award categories.

Main moment
4:30 PM

Winner Remarks & Photography

Brief winner words, official photographs and celebration moments.

5:00 PM

Closing & Vote of Thanks

Final appreciation to guests, nominees, partners and the wider community.

5:15 PM

Networking & Refreshments

Informal networking, collaboration conversations and light refreshments.

What you could receive

Winners walk away with more than a trophy — recognition, visibility and real opportunities to keep building impact in mental health.

Official recognition package

Recognition worth competing for

Every winner is formally celebrated on Awards Day and continues to be recognised through the Sound Mental Health platform and partner channels.

Trophy Certificate Stage honour Media feature

Recognition

  • Official SMH Awards trophy
  • Certificate of recognition
  • Formal stage presentation
  • Winner listing on the SMH Awards platform

Media & visibility

  • Media feature package
  • Winner spotlight / profile feature
  • Social media recognition
  • Possible interviews & press mentions
  • Partner and community shout-outs

Learning & growth

  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Training & capacity-building sessions
  • Professional development exposure
  • Peer learning with other winners & nominees

Access & opportunities

  • Networking with partners and professionals
  • Introductions within the SMH ecosystem
  • Invitation to future SMH programmes & events
  • Collaboration pathways with community initiatives

Wellness support

  • Partner-supported wellness packages
  • Wellbeing experiences or resources
  • Self-care and recovery-oriented support items

Subject to partner confirmation for 2026.

Lasting presence

  • Public winner recognition online
  • Category showcase on Awards channels
  • Storytelling opportunities for your work / journey
  • Continued association with SMH Awards 2026

Official recognition (trophy, certificate and ceremony presentation) is confirmed for winners. Additional media, mentorship, wellness and access opportunities may be provided through partners and are subject to confirmation for the 2026 Awards.

Nine award categories

Celebrating different forms of contribution to mental health and community wellbeing.

Mental Health Content Creation Category 01
Mental Health Service Provider Category 02
Mental Health Advocates Category 03
Mental Health Initiative Category 04
Community Mental Health Hero Category 05
Most Inspiring Mental Health Story Category 06
Upcoming Mental Health Advocate Category 07
Youth Mental Health Advocate Category 08
Best Mental Health Organization Category 09
Our partners

Working together for mental health

The Sound Mental Health Awards brings together organisations, institutions and businesses committed to meaningful impact in our communities.

Host

SMH Awards 2026

Celebrating voices, stories and change makers advancing mental health in Kenya.

Organiser

Sound Mental Health

Awareness, advocacy, psychosocial support and community wellbeing through programmes that matter.

Venue & programme partner

YWCA Kenya

Empowering girls and women through leadership, education, health, advocacy and safe spaces.

Kitchen partner

Nzungu’s Kitchen

Body butters, kombucha, chutneys, Greek yoghurt, plantain & cassava crisps — crafted with care.

Be part of Awards Day

Join nominees, partners and the community. Register in advance so we can plan seating and hospitality.

Free entry

Partner with the Awards

Support through sponsorship, media, venue, refreshments, transport or in-kind services.

Sponsorship Venue Media Refreshments Transport In-kind
Explore partnership

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers before you register.

Yes. Entry to the Sound Mental Health Awards 2026 ceremony is free. We only ask that you register in advance so we can plan seating and hospitality.
Yes. Registration helps us prepare seating, refreshments and a smooth experience for nominees, guests and partners.
Nominees, their guests, partners, mental health professionals, community members and anyone who supports the mental health movement in Kenya.
Smart casual or corporate attire is recommended for the Awards ceremony.
Yes. Category winners are formally recognised during the Awards Presentation segment of the programme.
You can support through sponsorship, media, venue, refreshments, transport or in-kind services. Visit the partnership page or contact the organising team.