The Sports personality of the year (SOYA) awards received a major boost with Multichoice forking out Sh2.5 million.

The deal wills see organisers for the December 6 gala receive Sh1m in cash with Supersport incurring Sh1.5m in production costs for the annual gathering of Kenya's finest performers in sport in its ninth edition.

Speaking during the presentation Multichoice Kenya general manager Danny Mucira stated Supersport were keen on establishing a long term commitment to Africa and specifically the Kenyan market with local content and talent"

Multichoice Kenya is the leading pay media destination any time anywhere in Kenya with unmatched track record of almost two decades in Pay TV locally.

Mucira said Kenyan sportsmen and women have made the country proud and it was key that they were honoured at home before being honoured abroad.

"I would like to commend Soya for recognising and rewarding our sports stars at home. Its a great idea and we are delighted to sponsor this years event.

Soya panel chairperson for 2012 Evelyn Watta said preparations for the event were going well and she expects a competitive process in deciding this year's winners.

"Its going to be tough and we are expecting our athletes and teams to continue shining before we host the event," Watta stated. World Marathon major winner Mary Keitany tops the bulk of nominees for the sportswoman of the year award. Others include Prisca Jepleting, double world champion Vivian Cheruiyot, world indoor championships gold medalist Pamela Jelimo

Gladys Cherono, the double African Champion (5, 000m and 10 000m) will also be looking to bag the award when the winner is announced on December 6 at the Carnivore grounds.