Dandora: 12-Year-Old Girl Who Performed For Sakaja Wins Best Kid Ambassador Award

• Shantel Mwikali, the 12-year-old girl who performed a poem for Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja, has a new feather on her cap
• The youngster had another moment of glory recently when she won the Best Kid Ambassador Award at Yetu Awards
• Shantel was recognised for her remarkable spirit, given that she comes from a difficult background in the Dandora slums but has remained a shining star

At the tender age of 12, Shantel Mwikali from Dandora slums has seen some of the worst moments in life for a child.

To begin with, her parents separated in a development that affected her self-esteem, coupled with the fact that they are extremely poor.

Despite the challenges at home, she managed to pull herself out emotionally and has been doing great things for herself.

One of her most notable accomplishments was performing a poem for Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja during the launch of the Dandora stadium.

The performance endeared her to Sakaja, who invited her to visit his office at City Hall.

Shantel's new moment of glory

In another of Shantel's shining moments, she was recently recognized with the prestigious Best Kid Ambassador Award at Yetu Awards.

Yetu Awards founder Julliet Akayo told TUKO.co.ke that the youngster was honoured for her remarkable spirit and talent.

"Coming from Reri in the heart of Dandora often overshadowed by its challenges, her resilience has been exemplary," she said.

Shantel’s story is a beacon of hope, proving that individuals can rise above their circumstances and shine with support and recognition.

Apart from the award, Akayi also gifted the youngster new school shoes to replace her worn-out pair.

Kenyan talents need to be recognised, Akayi

Akayi noted that her organisation held the Yetu Awards, a non-competitive event to celebrate and empower talented children making significant societal contributions.

Unlike other awards in Kenya, which hinge on competition, the Yetu scheme focuses on those who have yet to receive the recognition they deserve.

"There is a growing trend of Kenyan talents being acknowledged overseas rather than at home, leading many to pursue opportunities abroad," she narrated.

Akayi added that by awarding these children's gifts, she hopes to encourage them to use their talents to make a positive impact locally.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.