Legendary Kenyan actress Mary Khavere, famously known as Mama Kayai, has been celebrated in the United States with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Performing Arts.
The award ceremony took place in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she was recognized for her decades-long contribution to East African television and comedy.
Mama Kayai, a household name in Kenya, gained fame through the beloved sitcom Vitimbi and became a cultural icon through her roles in other hit shows like Vioja Mahakamani and Jungu Kuu.
Her ability to stay relevant through the years, coupled with her humility and dedication, has earned her immense respect both locally and internationally.
The award was presented during the Myogenic Excellence Awards, which were held at the United Brethren Restoration Centre on Saturday, July 19. Mama Kayai had travelled to the US a day earlier alongside other Kenyan creatives to attend the ceremony.
These awards run in tandem with the Myogenic Africa Mentorship Program, which is designed to empower aspiring creatives and professionals within the African diaspora and across the continent.
Organizers praised Mama Kayai as a symbol of grace, consistency, and professionalism in the entertainment industry.
“She represents the true spirit of managing fame with dignity,” said Solomon Omboto, CEO of Myogenic Africa Talent Academy, who personally welcomed the Kenyan team at Raleigh-Durham Airport.
Among those also set to receive recognition at the event are notable figures such as Hon. Huldah Momanyi, a Kenyan lawmaker serving in Minnesota; seasoned actor Abel Amunga;
former KFCB boss Ezekiel Mutua; and popular comedian and media figure Walter Mong’are, widely known as Nyambane.
Mama Kayai’s legacy is deeply rooted in her on-screen partnership with the late Mzee Ojwang. Together, they humorously portrayed the ups and downs of marriage in Vitimbi, winning over generations of fans.
Their chemistry on screen turned them into the “first couple” of Kenyan comedy. Over the years, their performances not only earned multiple awards but also won the admiration of Kenya’s first three presidents, who counted them among their favorite entertainers.
This Lifetime Achievement Award serves as a powerful reminder of Mama Kayai’s enduring impact on Kenya’s entertainment landscape and the inspiration she continues to offer to aspiring performers across Africa.
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