The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) has opened submissions for the 10th anniversary edition of the BAKE Awards, as research by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Baraza Media Lab, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and UNESCO reveals the digital content industry has grown to Ksh 1.27 trillion (USD 9.8 billion), positioning creators as major economic contributors alongside traditional sectors.
This year’s awards return to the competition’s traditional calendar period, running from January through June, a shift from the late-season schedule seen in 2025.
The 2026 BAKE Awards aim to spotlight the professionalisation of content creation, celebrating creators who have successfully transitioned from hobbyists to sustainable business owners and industry leaders.
“We’re no longer looking at digital media only as a pasttime. It is an industry that’s creating jobs, driving innovation, and establishing Kenya as a continental leader in digital enterpreneurship. The standard of Kenyan digital content has established a new benchmark for excellence. We urge all digital storytellers to submit their work and continue to lead the way in innovation,” said Kennedy Kachwanya, Chairperson of BAKE.
The BAKE Awards is the premier platform for recognising and honouring exceptional talent within Kenya’s vibrant digital landscape. This shift provides creators across TikTok, YouTube, Spotify and podcasting, and traditional blogging platforms with a predictable annual rhythm to showcase their work.
The key dates for the 2026 Awards are:
- Launch: January 12, 2026
- Submissions: January 12 – March 2, 2026
- Judging Phase: March 3 – April 3, 2026
- Public Voting: April 6 – May 29, 2026
- Winners Gala Event: June 6, 2026
The 2025 BAKE Awards saw unprecedented competition, culminating in the first-ever tie for Creator of The Year between the JoyRide Podcast and Sarah Njoroge, illustrating the firece competition and high quality of Kenyan content.
The BAKE Awards 2026 is made possible through the continued support of partners dedicated to the growth of the digital space, including past collaborators like Absa Bank Kenya, UNESCO, KICTANET, Baraza Media Lab and the Media Council of Kenya (MCK).
To submit creators for the BAKE Awards 2026, please visit bakeawards.co.ke/submit.