Kenya is set to make history this October after earning its first-ever place at the world's most prestigious sommelier competition, with award-winning wine professional Soraiya Ladak selected to represent the country in Lisbon, Portugal.
Ladak will fly Kenya's flag at the 2026 Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World Contest, a global championship widely regarded as the highest honour in the sommelier profession.
The competition, held every three years, brings together the best sommeliers from around the world to compete in advanced wine theory, blind tasting, food and wine pairing, and hospitality service.
Speaking during a California Wines Masterclass in Nairobi, Ladak described Kenya's maiden appearance at the global contest as a milestone for the country's hospitality sector.
"Representing Kenya in our first-ever participation at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World Contest is an incredible honor and a proud moment, not just for me, but for the entire hospitality industry," Ladak said.
"Kenya has earned its seat at the global table, and this is our opportunity to showcase the talent, professionalism and passion that define our industry."
The debut places Kenya among a growing number of African countries represented in the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, joining Morocco, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mauritius.
The recognition comes amid growing interest in Kenya's wine industry, with the local market estimated to be worth about USD286 million as demand for premium wines, curated tasting experiences and professional hospitality services continues to rise.
According to organisers, Kenya's participation has been made possible through the country's affiliation with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale via the Sommeliers of Kenya Association (SOKA), opening the door for international certification, education and global competitions.
SOKA President Wanjiru Mureithi said the achievement demonstrates the value of investing in professional training and exposing Kenyan talent to international standards.
"Professional bodies such as SOKA play a critical role in creating pathways for sommeliers to continuously develop their knowledge, attain higher professional qualifications and gain exposure to global industry standards," she said.
"Soraiya's participation in the California Wines Masterclass and her selection to represent Kenya at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World Contest demonstrate the value of investing in structured professional development and creating opportunities that enable Kenyan talent to thrive internationally."
Beyond marking Kenya's first appearance at the global championship, Ladak's qualification also highlights the growing role of women in a profession that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Ladak, who serves as the Managing Director of The Wine Shop Kenya, was crowned ASI Kenya's Best Sommelier earlier this year, earning the right to represent the country at the world championship in Lisbon.
Her participation will offer Kenya an opportunity to showcase its growing hospitality expertise on one of the industry's biggest international stages.
