Kenya's rising digital creatives swept top honors at the 9th Digital Media Festival and Awards Show 2025, with campaigns highlighting social issues and youth engagement taking center stage.
Tandem Network emerged as the evening's standout agency, winning Agency of the Year and Most Impactful Campaign of the Year for its "Sky Fest" initiative targeting women and girls.
The event, hosted by Go Gaga Experiential at The Tamarind Hotel on Langata Road, brought together agency teams, digital innovators and industry leaders, celebrating campaigns across Agency, Content, Publisher, Digital, Youth and Special Categories.
"Young creatives are reshaping how campaigns connect with audiences and inspire change," said Muthoni Gitobu, co-founder of Go Gaga Experiential.
Emerging talent takes spotlight
The Youth-Young Creative Awards highlighted Kenya's emerging talent. Michael Muraya was named Best Young Copywriter, Allan Kioko Best Young Content Creator, Neemo
Mungai Best Independent Young Creative, Faith Mwangi Best Young Innovator and Gichimu Ikua Best Young Art Director.
Bharat Tavares of Tandem Network was recognized as Creative Director of the Year, while Robert Kizito received Copy Writer of the Year and Kelvin Kaesa was declared Art Director of the Year.
Tandem Network's "Sky Fest" campaign earned accolades for Media Innovation, Experiential Campaign and Best Youth-Driven Campaign.
Denis Kajura was recognized as Graphic Designer of the Year, Colin Asiimwe received Marketing Leader of the Year, and Dorothy Kirabo claimed Strategist of the Year.
Brand campaigns recognized
GOtv was distinguished as Brand of the Year for its digital presence and engagement. Dentsu Creative Kenya's "Stitched With Cheer" campaign for Tusker Lager secured Campaign
of the Year.
Uber Eats was lauded for Best Engagement Campaign and KCB Group triumphed with Best Performing Traffic Campaign.
"These awards highlight the creativity and innovation driving Kenya's digital industry forward," noted Levis Ryan, digital marketing manager at Samsung Electronics.
The Bar Africa was awarded for Brand Identity Systems and Design for Workables' Typespace. Nuvita Biscuits' "Nuvita Presents NoVita" influencer-led campaign garnered recognition.
The Eskimi Awards recognized Diageo's creative campaign with the Eskimi Creative Excellence Award.
