Sanaipei Tande, Nyokabi Macharia Among Women in Film Awards Nominees

The nominees for the 6th annual Women in Film Awards (WIFA) have been revealed, with Sanaipei Tande and Nyokabi Macharia leading the pack in the Best Actress Film category. They are among seven nominees vying for the award.

In the Best Actress TV Drama category, Faith Kabathi, star of “Single Kiasi,” and veteran actress Nice Githinji are among eight nominees competing for the title.

This year’s awards span 23 categories, with the Best Actress categories in both Film and TV Drama receiving the most nominations.

The theme for WIFA 2025 is “Inspire Inclusion: Amplifying Voices of Marginalized Women Filmmakers.”

Voting is now open and will close next Tuesday. Film enthusiasts can cast their votes online via Mymovies.Africa. The platform will also offer a seven-day rental of “Sleeping Warrior,” an internationally acclaimed film about Africa’s first Women’s Lacrosse Team from Rift Valley.

Since its inception, WIFA has expanded significantly, increasing the number of awards from 14 in 2020 to 31 in 2024, thanks to support from local and international partners.

Founded by filmmaker and editor Dr. Susan Gitimu, WIFA aims to celebrate the drive, spirit, and diversity of women in the Kenyan film industry.

The awards ceremony will be held on March 8th, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Best Director (Film)

Angela Wamai
Jennifer Gatero
Liz Kilili ‘Thayu’
Mkaiwawi Mwakaba
Wanja Kamanda

Best Director (TV Drama)

Carol Odongo ‘Coachez’
Jennifer Gatero
Janet Chumbe
June Ndinya
Natasha Ayoo

Best Assistant Director

Ann Mwihaki
Destiney Njeri
Edna Nguka
Stella Mungai
Sarah Gathoni

Best Student Director

Amisha Mukasa
Josephine Wanjiru
Liana Namunyak
Liz Karanja
Muriithi Rhoda

Best Producer (Film)

Betty M. Mutua
June Wairegi
Shirleen Wangari
Sally Nyoike
Tracy Amadi

Best Producer (TV Drama)

CeciMercy Wanza
Dina Mwende
Hildah Wellah
Margaret Wanjiru Muriithi
Tecla Joan

Best Producer (Documentary)

Caroline Ngunjiri
Cynthia Abdalla
Lydia Matata
Mwanahamisi Mkutano
Nira Nyangweso

Best Newcomer Producer

Audrey Egesa
Ciku Wahome
Clementina Kabutha
Jessica Wangari Gacuru
Oprah Kadesa

Best Actress (Film)

Hussein Amina
Melissa Lesilalle
Masese Sarah
Michelle Tiren
Nyokabi Macharia
Nungari Kiore
Sanaipei Tande

Best Actress (TV Drama)

Brenda Anyango
Faith Kabathi
Nice Githinji
Lorna Lemmy
‘Red’ Brenda Gesare
Suzanne Njoki
Vanessa Aika
Wanjiku Stephanie Muchiri

Best Child Actress

Abilasha Muthoni
Electricer Hamisi Kache
Ella Imani
Michelle Lemuya
Tanisi Kawee

Best Scriptwriter (Film)

Grace Irungu
Milcah Cherotich
Trizah Weche
Wanjeri Gakuru
Yvonne Wamuyu

Best Scriptwriter (TV Drama)

Angela Ruhinda
Abigail Arunga
Caroline Kemunto
Grace Adhiambo
Mkamzee Mwatela

Best Script Supervisor

Irene Nduku
Neddy Lusimbo
Samantha Musimbi
Sheila Sila
Teresiah Njeri

Best Editor

Caroline Gikandi
Charity Kuria
Diana Mbondo
Hanna Wangari
Jacinta Mugo

Best Cinematographer

Bo Muigai
Emma Nzioka
Mwende Renata
Nashreen Wangai

Best Production Manager

Apolline Umuhire
Cathy Keya
Monica Kanyali
Sharon Lusambili
Winnie Adisa

Best Animator

Christina Mugure
Lydia Mugure
Maureen Muriithi
Stella Awuor
Scholar Millen

Best Make-Up Artist

Grace Murema
Fatma Abdalla
Judith Chebet
Mercy Ng’endo (Makeup By Bilha)
Stacy Gichinju

Best Costume Designer

Elizabeth Magondu
Gladys ‘Gatush’ Wanjiru
Isabel Nyamgero
Kelsie Kioni
Viva Njeri Kimotho

Best Set Designer

Claire Marie Njoki
Neha Manoj Shah
Stella Wangari Mwangi
Temko Lavinda
Valcour Mariam

Best Location Sound Recordist

Jedidah Akoth Awiti
Mourine Wanjiku
Shilla Gathoni
Thanji Wanjiku

Best Digital Content Creator

Celestine Ndinda (Wakavinye)
Esther Kazungu
Gloria Nkatha
Judy Nyawira (Bi Mkuru)
Justine Wanda