The Celtic midfielder is the only footballer in the short list of seven that was announced by the Soya panel on Thursday at a Nairobi hotel.
“Mugubi (Wanyama) has been outstanding for his club Celtic both in the domestic league and also in the European Champions League.
"He has also been a tremendous asset to the national team, Harambee stars and has improved the profile of Kenyan football worldwide” said Soya panel chairperson, Evelyn Watta.
Wanyama, who did play in Wednesday’s international friendly against Tanzania that Kenya lost 1-0, has had a very successful year with Celtic, winning a league and Cup double.
More recently, he scored the vital first goal in his clubs euphoric 2-1 win over World club champions and Spanish giants Barcelona in the group stages of the Champions League.
Other leading Kenyan sports personalities included in the Soya Awards list are David Rudisha – Olympic and World champion and 800m record holder, Paralympian Abraham Tarbei, Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi, swimmer Jason Dunford, double Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m silver medallist Vivian Cheruiyot and marathon runner Mary Keitany.
