Mama Kayai Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award in the US

Kenyan screen legend Mary Khavere, widely known as Mama Kayai, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Myogenic Excellence Awards in the United States, marking a career spanning four decades in East African television. 

The ceremony, which took place on 19 July at the United Brethren Restoration Centre, celebrated her enduring impact on Kenyan comedy and the broader creative industry. The award, a component of the Myogenic Africa Mentorship Program and Excellence Awards, recognises Khavere's significant contributions to shaping the narrative of domestic life on Kenyan television. Solomon Ongere Omboto, a retired US Army officer and native of Nyamira County, founded the Myogenic Africa Talent Academy, which spearheads the initiative. 

The program aims to support African creatives and professionals both in the diaspora and on the continent. Khavere's career began in 1980, but it was her role in the long-running KBC sitcom Vitimbi, which premiered in 1985, that brought her widespread recognition. Her portrayal of married life alongside the late Mzee Ojwang, marked by humour and social commentary, resonated with a large audience. Their on-screen chemistry established Vitimbi as a cultural touchstone, transcending mere entertainment. 

Khavere also featured in other notable productions, including Vioja Mahakamani and Jungu Kuu, demonstrating her versatility and sustaining her relevance within the industry. Upon Khavere's arrival at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Omboto, as CEO of Myogenic Africa Talent Academy, emphasised the significance of her presence.

Several other prominent figures from Kenya's creative and public service sectors joined Khavere as honourees. These include Hon. Huldah Momanyi, a Kenyan legislator serving in Minnesota; veteran actor Abel Amunga; former Kenya Film Classification Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua; and comedian and media personality Walter Mong’are, known as Nyambane. They represent a diverse group of individuals who have achieved excellence in their respective fields.

Filmmaker and educator Rachael Njeri Wainaina, nominated for the Pan-African Visionary Award, also attended the event. Wainaina, recognised for her work in creative education and youth empowerment, expressed her honour at sharing the stage with Khavere, whom she described as "a timeless icon of our screens."

In conjunction with the awards, the Myogenic Africa Mentorship Program provides training, guidance, and networking opportunities for emerging talents in film, media, and performance. 

The program intends to cultivate a new generation of creatives who will build upon the foundation laid by pioneers such as Mama Kayai. The event highlights the increasing global recognition of African creatives and their contributions to the arts. It signifies a shift towards broader platforms that celebrate the continent’s artistic heritage. 

Organisers have confirmed that the Myogenic initiative will be an annual event. Future editions aim to expand the program to include more categories and participating countries, with the vision of preserving and promoting Africa’s cultural legacy for future generations. Khavere's career, spanning over four decades, serves as an inspiration to performers and audiences.