Akol Miyen Kuol Honoured for Authorship and Creative Writing at SPICY Awards 2026

By Wilson Amondo

South Sudanese-born author, poet and storyteller Akol Miyen Kuol has been honoured with the Authorship and Creative Writing Award at the inaugural SPICY Awards 2026 held in Nairobi.

Kuol received the recognition under the SPICY Awards Creatives category, which celebrates individuals whose work in creativity, culture, entrepreneurship, advocacy and innovation contributes to positive social change.

The award recognises Kuol’s contribution to authorship, creative writing, storytelling and cultural expression, with his work standing out for its ability to inspire audiences, preserve identity and give prominence to voices and experiences that deserve greater visibility.

His recognition was accompanied by Certificate No. SA26H-CRE-00101, citing the wider social influence of his creative work and its ability to build connections across communities and cultures.

The citation further recognised creativity as an important instrument for shaping culture, influencing perspectives and contributing to social transformation.

The award was presented during the inaugural SPICY Awards ceremony in Nairobi, organised by Spice Without Borders, a global changemaker development ecosystem that seeks to recognise individuals contributing to meaningful transformation in society.

Kuol has established himself as an emerging voice in African literature and storytelling, with his creative work exploring themes of identity, migration, resilience, peace and the experiences of communities navigating social and cultural change.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Kuol expressed appreciation to Spice Without Borders and the SPICY Awards organisers, saying the recognition represented more than an individual achievement.

He dedicated the award to people whose stories remain unheard and communities working to preserve their cultural identity through creative expression.

“This award is not just for me, but for every voice that has been silenced, every story that needs to be told, and every culture that deserves to be preserved. Creativity is our bridge,” he said.

The 2026 edition marks the launch of the SPICY Awards, with the programme seeking to celebrate changemakers across different fields whose ideas, initiatives and professional contributions are creating a positive impact.

The Creatives category specifically highlights writers, artists and other creative practitioners whose work influences culture, inspires communities and stimulates meaningful conversations.

For Kuol, the honour adds another milestone to his growing creative journey and reinforces the importance of storytelling in documenting African experiences.

His recognition also reflects the expanding role of African writers and creatives in shaping narratives around identity, culture, peace, resilience and social transformation.

The Nairobi ceremony brought together creatives, entrepreneurs, changemakers and other distinguished personalities, providing a platform to celebrate individuals whose work continues to influence communities and contribute to broader social development.

Kuol’s award places his authorship and creative writing among the contributions being recognised for their potential to inspire, connect communities and preserve important stories for future generations.