A storm has broken out in Kenya’s digital circles after two-year-old Africannah Rapudo, daughter of socialite Amber Ray and businessman Kennedy Rapudo, was nominated for Fashion Influencer of the Year at the Pulse Awards.

For some, it is a sign of how the world of style and influence has changed. For others, it is simply “wild business.”

A Child at the Centre of a Fashion Row

Africannah, who regularly features in her parents’ social media posts dressed in carefully curated outfits, has quickly amassed an audience. Her nomination, announced last week, triggered a heated response that has spilled across Instagram, TikTok and X.

Influencer Njambi Fever fanned the flames after questioning the decision on her Instagram stories, prompting thousands to weigh in.

Supporters Say “Fashion Has No Age Limit”

Fans rallied behind Africannah’s nomination, calling it recognition of a genuine fashion presence.

“Fashion has no age limit,” one supporter posted online. Another argued: “Africannah deserves to be on it… she can compete with the big people.”

Others brushed off the controversy as needless outrage. “It’s entertainment,” one user said. “Muache kuweka vitu kwa roho (stop taking things so personally).”

Some compared Africannah’s situation to global examples. “A teenager won Grammys alongside adults. This is no different,” wrote another commenter, noting how international awards often judge talent without age restrictions.

Critics Cry Foul: “It’s Wild Business”

Critics, however, say the organisers should have created a children’s category instead of pitting a toddler against adults.

“Kuweka mtoto amongst grown ups ni wild business,” one critic wrote. Another added: “They should have easily come up with a kids’ fashion influencer section.”

The concern, they argue, is not Africannah’s talent but fairness and ethics. “This is just… wild… placing her against adults,” one post read. Others dismissed the decision as careless: “They should have nominated kid stars separately.”

Beyond Africannah: Awards in a Shifting World

The uproar has raised questions far beyond one nomination. Traditional awards once divided contestants by age or experience. Social media has blurred those lines, giving even toddlers platforms with reach rivaling that of seasoned influencers.

Whether the organisers were courting publicity or simply miscalculated, the nomination has exposed a broader dilemma: how should awards evolve to reflect influence in the digital age?

For Africannah, the recognition is a milestone at just two years old. For Kenya’s awards industry, it is a reminder that categories may need to change as quickly as the culture they seek to celebrate.