The 2013 SOMA Awards – A Recap

The inaugural Social Media Awards – meant to reward organizations and individuals who have showcased strategic and creative use of social media – were held yesterday at the Laico Regency Hotels Ballroom and the various category winners recognized.

The people behind the OLX-sponsored competition broke new ground as the Kenya social media scene has only celebrated outstanding bloggers in the BAKE Blog Awards which has been held for two years now – 2012 and 2013.

The SOMA Awards were hosted in partnership with OLX – one of the leading online markets in the region, Public Relations Society of Kenya, Deloitte, Trinc Media, Valentine Cake House, Niaje and Bloggers Association of Kenya.

Overall, the awards ceremony went well with the audience and those in attendance generally agreeing with the judges’ decision that the winners deserved the accolades. The only exceptions being “Best Use of Social Media – Events” catergory won by Safaricom 7s Rugby Tournament which some felt should have gone to “Blankets & Wine” and “Best Use of Social Media Government Bodies” which was won by Kenya Vision 2030 but others thought should have been awarded to a different corporate – either Magical Kenya (KTB) or Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).    

But it’s worth noting that after the nominations, the final winners were decided – it’s assumed – purely on the number of votes received and not the judges’ decision or choice.

Below is the list of Nominees in each category and eventual winners.

SOMA 2013 Nominees and Winners