Kenya is making its debut at the prestigious Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) Best Sommelier of the World Contest in Lisbon, Portugal, from October 11-17, 2026, with Soraiya Ladak as its representative.

• This marks Kenya's first appearance at the global event, positioning it alongside a select group of African nations in the international sommelier community.
• Soraiya Ladak, crowned ASI Kenya’s Best Sommelier 2026 and Managing Director of The Wine Shop Kenya, views this as a milestone for the entire Kenyan hospitality sector.
• The milestone arrives as Kenya's tourism sector shows strong growth, with wine becoming an increasingly important part of the hospitality offering, and the Sommeliers of Kenya Association (SOKA) playing a crucial role in professionalizing the industry.