NAIROBI, Kenya — Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has been named Kenya’s sole nominee in the legislative category of the inaugural Unstoppable Africa Awards, according to the organisers.
Barasa is nominated for the Unstoppable Africa’s Best Performing Member of Parliament award, alongside legislators from other African countries.
The Pan-African awards are scheduled to debut in Nairobi on October 31, 2026, with nominees drawn from politics, business, media, entertainment, sports, diplomacy and community development.
The organisers have announced eight Kenyan nominees across several categories. They include Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, Cabinet Secretaries Beatrice Askul Moe and Geoffrey Ruku, comedians Crazy Kennar and Jaymo De Cin, content creator Andrew Kibe, musician Bien, businessman Mark Ogendi, Dr Anita Nyanjong, Eric Omondi, Dr Manu Chandaria, Lupita Nyong’o and Eliud Kipchoge.
Barasa’s Recent Political And Academic Profile
The nomination comes as Barasa continues to build his political profile in Bungoma while preparing to contest for the county’s governorship in the 2027 General Election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
In August, Barasa graduated with a PhD in Public Administration from Murang’a University of Technology. His doctoral research examined county governments’ branding strategies and their influence on service-delivery satisfaction among small and medium-sized enterprises, using Bungoma County as a case study.
Barasa had announced in June that he had completed his doctoral studies while responding to questions about his academic qualifications.
“I heard someone say that I didn’t go to school. That I stole someone’s certificate. I’m the most learned MP in Bungoma County. I have two undergraduate degrees and two Masters. I completed my PhD and I will graduate with a doctorate next month,” he said.
He was subsequently conferred with the doctorate at Murang’a University of Technology’s August graduation ceremony.
Constituency Development Record
Barasa has also highlighted development projects in Kimilili as part of his record as an MP.
In July, he claimed that about 92 per cent of primary schools in Kimilili Constituency had been rebuilt under his administration.
He said he expected the remaining works to be completed within the following year, arguing that the programme would leave the constituency without older school structures.
The claims were made during an interview in which the MP discussed his constituency development activities, particularly investment in education.
His performance has also featured in the 2026 Infotrak Elected Leaders Performance Rating. The survey, conducted between January and May 2026, gave Barasa an approval rating of 73 per cent, placing him in a group of MPs who recorded that score nationally.
Expanding Political Activities In Bungoma
Barasa’s political activities have extended beyond Kimilili as he seeks the Bungoma governorship.
In March, Sabaot elders in Kapsokwony, Mt Elgon, recognised him as an elder during a traditional ceremony. He was presented with traditional attire and a walking stick during the event.
The ceremony came as Barasa increased his engagements across Bungoma ahead of the 2027 political contest.
His campaign platform has included proposals on maternal healthcare, ambulance services, telemedicine, road construction equipment for sub-counties and measures aimed at supporting maize farmers.
Other Kenyan Nominees
Barasa is part of a wider Kenyan contingent at the inaugural awards.
According to the organisers, Governor Kimani Wamatangi is Kenya’s nominee in the governor category, while Askul Moe and Geoffrey Ruku are the country’s nominees in the ministerial category.
Eric Omondi and Manu Chandaria are nominated in the community-builder category, while Crazy Kennar, Jaymo De Cin and Andrew Kibe feature in the content-creator category.
Bien is Kenya’s nominee in the music category. Mark Ogendi is nominated in the CEO category, while Anita Nyanjong features in the Woman of the Year category. Lupita Nyong’o and Eliud Kipchoge are listed in the Brand Ambassador category.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 31 in Nairobi, where winners across the various categories are expected to be announced.
