Three Teams to Represent Kenya at Cannes Lions 2026 After Nairobi Showdown
By Kass Digital | Nairobi,
Three teams of young creatives have earned the opportunity to represent Kenya at the 2026 Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in France after emerging winners at the second edition of the Cannes Young Lions Kenya competition.
Kinjal Shekh and Muskaan Shaikh (Digital), Michelle Shingi and Nidhi Buty (Film), and Gichimu Ikua and Victor Mureithi (Design) secured their slots following a competitive three-day challenge held from February 6–8 at the Tusker Microbrewery in Nairobi.
Victor Mureithi described the win as an honour. “Winning the Cannes Young Lions Kenya competition is an incredible honour. I’m filled with joy and gratitude. 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, go further and really looking forward to flying the Kenyan flag high in the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity 2026 in France,” said Mureithi.
The competition brought together 42 young creatives from across the country, tasking them with delivering innovative solutions under intense time pressure across digital, design and film categories.
Safaricom PLC, one of the event partners, reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young talent, with Head of Brand and Marketing Zizwe Awuor noting that platforms such as Young Lions Kenya help position local creatives to compete globally. Other partners included EABL, MB 96 and The Quollective.
