NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 10 – Three Kenyan teams have secured slots to represent the country at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity 2026 in France after emerging winners in the Cannes Young Lions Kenya competition.
Kinjal Shekh and Muskaan Shaikh (Digital category), Michelle Shingi and Nidhi Buty (Film category), and Gichimu Ikua and Victor Mureithi (Design category) clinched victory in the second edition of the national contest.
The three-day competition, held at the Tusker Microbrewery in Nairobi from February 6 to 8, brought together 42 young creatives across the digital, design and film categories. Participants were challenged to deliver bold and innovative solutions under strict timelines.
Victor Mureithi described the win as a major milestone.
“Winning the Cannes Young Lions Kenya competition is an incredible honour. This moment proves that bold ideas, hard work and believing in your voice truly matter. I’m proud to represent a new generation of Kenyan creatives ready to dream bigger and fly the Kenyan flag high at Cannes,” he said.
Safaricom, one of the event’s partners, said the platform gives young creatives an opportunity to compete globally.
“At Safaricom, we believe the future of Kenya’s digital economy lies in the hands of our young creatives. Young Lions Kenya gives them the opportunity to think differently and turn their creativity into solutions that can compete anywhere in the world,” said Zizwe Awuor, Head of Brand and Marketing at Safaricom PLC.
The competition was supported by EABL, MB 96 and The Quollective.
KBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo said Tusker’s partnership aligns with its commitment to championing creativity and innovation.
“Our partnership ensures Kenya has a strong voice on the global stage as these young creatives carry our stories and culture to the world,” he said.
Emuron Alemu, Chief Creative Officer at The Quollective, said the initiative helps nurture and create opportunities for local talent through collaboration and mentorship.
The winners will now represent Kenya at the global Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity later this year.
