Top 100 most influential young Kenyans 2023

This category is dedicated to Individuals who run successful enterprises in Kenya, which are adding valuable social, economic and cultural remittances to lives and contributing towards shaping the image of the African continent.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the business category.

1. Anerlisa Muigai (CEO, Nero)
2. Michelle Ntalami (CEO, Marini Naturals)
3. Darshan Chandaria (Dr.) (Group CEO, Chandaria Industries)
4. Mary Muthoni (President, Women in Business Community Network)
5. Shirlene Nafula (Managing Director, Crystal River Products)
6. Kimani Adam (CEO, Nature Expeditions)
7. Eric Muli (CEO, Odyssey Capital)
8. Catherine Mahugu (CEO, Chiswara)
9. Gerald Matolo (CEO, Angaza Africa Technologies)
10. Zameer Verjee (CEO, Studio A-Z)

This category compiles distinguished young Kenyans who display continental influence based on their roles in public office, politics, Law and governance. Their work should have yielded significant commendation from their benefactors.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the law & governance category.

1. Boniface Mwangi (Founder, Ukweli Party)
2. Sakaja Johnson (Senator, Nairobi)
3. Ndindi Nyoro (Member of Parliament, Kiharu Constituency)
4. Duke Mainga Echate (Executive Committee Member, Kisii y)
5. Naisula Lesuuda (Member of Parliament, Samburu West constituency)
6. Dennis Itumbi (Secretary of Innovation, Digital and Diaspora Communication, Office of the President)
7. Catherine Waruguru (Hon) (Women’s Rep, National Assembly)
8. Jessica Mwenje Mayavi (Partner, MMC Africa Law)
9. Stephen Sang (H.E.) (Governor, Nandi)
10. Gideon Keter (Hon) (Youth Rep, National Assembly)

This category is focused on young Kenyans who are leading the innovation revolution across the country. Their products and services must be dedicated to solving either local or global problems from the Kenyan soil. They must be potential competitors in the global science, technology, and innovation space.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the science & technology category.

1. Stellah Wairimu Bosire-Otieno (Dr) (CEO, Kenya Medical Association)
2. Diana Esther Wangari (Dr) (CEO, Checkups Medical Centre)
3. Linet Kwamboka (CEO, DataScience Limited)
4. Angela Muoki (Dr) (Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon)
5. Towett Ngetich (CEO, Uthabiti)
6. Alphonce Juma (CEO, Oracom Kenya Web Solutions)
7. Linda Kamau (Director, Akirachix)
8. Dorcas Owinoh (Director, LakeHub Foundation)
9. Emmastella Gakuo (Co-Founder, Savanna Circuit Tech)
10. Bernard Chiira (Chair, ASSEK)

This category is exclusive to a diverse group of individuals involved in entertainment relating to music, comedy & film. They must be national icons that command a high level of influence not just popularity through the positive impact of their works.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the entertainment category.

1. Samidoh (Musician)
2. King Kaka (Musician)
3. Pascal Tokodi (Actor)
4. Mercy Masika (Musician)
5. Naomi Ng’ang’a (Actress)
6. Bahati (Musician)
7. Brenda Wairimu (Actress)
8. Size 8 (Musician)
9. Willy Paul (Musician)
10. Karun (Musician)

This category is targeted at journalists and media personalities who have defied odds to propel stories of Kenya across the globe. Their work should carry a national focused vision on leading Kenyans to tell their own stories whether good or bad.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the media category.

1. Betty Kyallo (OAP, K24)
2. Victoria Rubadiri (OAP, Citizen TV)
3. John Allan Namu (Journalist)
4. Kamene Goro (OAP, Kiss FM)
5. Mashirima Kapombe (OAP, Citizen TV)
6. Amina Rabar (OAP, Capital FM)
7. Akisa Wandera (OAP, KTN)
8. Harun Momanyi (Journalist)
9. Xtian Dela (Journalist)
10. Sophia Wanuna (OAP, KTN)

This category involves highly recommended young individuals who are championing various activities in the country related to advocacy, religion, civil organizations etc. They need to possess the qualities of a leader and must have achieved significant feats in their works across the country and beyond.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the leadership & civil society category.

1. Nafula Kisiangani (CEO, Ubuntu Development Solution)
2. Lucy Wanjiku Njenga (Team Leader, Positive Young Women Voices)
3. Elizabeth Njambi (Senior Marketing Manager, Uber)
4. Elizabeth Ntonjira (Head of Global Corporate Communications, AMREF)
5. Nice Nailantei Leng’ete (Human Rights Activist, AMREF)
6. Jane Waithera Wairimu (Executive Director, Positive Exposure)
7. Angela Koech (Group CFO, GT Bank East Africa)
8. Tonny Watuka (Consultant, Ernst & Young)
9. Ashura Michael (Speaker, East African Youth Parliament)
10. Olivia Muiru (Executive Director, B Lab)

This category is meant for young individuals leading social entrepreneurship and philanthropy activities impacting lives across Kenya and their respective regions. The public on the reach of their impacts must phenomenally endorse their works and achievements.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the social entreprise & philanthropy category.

1. Anne Wawira Njiru (Founder, Food4Education)
2. Lily Tanui (Founder, Tree Growers Association of Kenya)
3. Selina Nkoile (Founder, Nashipai Maasai Project)
4. Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti (CEO, Green Generation Initiative)
5. Esmael Omar (President, Global Youth Coalition to End FGM)
6. Natalie Robi Tingo (Founder, Msichana Empowerment Kuria)
7. Chebet Lesan (CEO, BrightGreen Renewable Energy)
8. Raabia Hawa (CEO, Walk With Rangers)
9. Leroy Mwasaru (CEO, Greenpact)
10. Unelker Maoga (Founder, Konservation)

This category is focused on young people who are leading the creative & lifestyle community in Kenya. They are passionately setting the pace in fashion & arts which have become common among the populace. These personalities must be leading initiatives and organizations, which are addressing problems in their communities and have potentials for global expansion, adoption and recognition.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the lifestyle category.

1. Njugush (Comedian)
2. Eric Omondi (Comedian)
3. Ali Mandhry (Chef)
4. DJ Mo (DJ)
5. DJ Joe Mfalme (DJ)
6. Chipukeezy (Comedian)
7. DJ Lisney (DJ)
8. Daniel Maithya (Social Media Influencer)
9. Victor Mochere (Blogger)
10. Adam Maina (Social Media Influencer)

This category is exclusive to individuals who have excelled in various academic assignments and young Kenyans who have dedicated their career in training the next generation of African leaders.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the personal development & academia category.

1. Peter Tabichi (Teacher)
2. Adelle Onyango (Founder, The Adelle Onyango Initiative)
3. Purity Ngina (Dr.) (Lecturer, Strathmore University)
4. Linda Chepkwony (Founder, Abraham Lincoln Youth Initiative)
5. Beatrice Ndungu (Motivational Speaker)
6. Chris Mureithi (Motivational Speaker)
7. Nguka Ojwang (Executive Director, Brook of Hope Foundation)
8. David Kyalo (CEO, Koncepts & Events Ltd)
9. Sam Vidambu (Founder, Global Mentorship Programme)
10. Yukabeth Kidenda (CEO, Teach for Kenya)

This category throws a spotlight on diverse sports personalities who in diverse ways are contributing to the development of various sporting activities. These can be athletes, coaches or individuals directly involved in the sporting industry.

Here are the top 10 most influential young Kenyans in the sports category.

1. Michael Olunga (Footballer, Kashiwa Reysol)
2. Victor Wanyama (Footballer, Tottenham Hotspur)
3. Brigid Kosgei (Athlete)
4. Margaret Nyairera Wambui (Athlete)
5. Beatrice Chepkoech (Athlete)
6. Faith Kipyegon (Athlete)
7. William Ambaka Ndayara (Rugby Player)
8. Emily Muteti (Swimmer)
9. Sabrina Simader (Skii champion)
10. Emmanuel Korir (Athlete)