Kenya is a remarkable country having produced phenomenal athletes and business leaders. Oscar award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o and the late Wangari Maathai are symbolic figures of how Kenyan women are leading as globally acclaimed achievers.
This year, the inaugural Mpasho Top 25 Under 25 Most Promising Women in Kenya are reminiscent of hard work, beauty and brains, inspirational stories and unbeatable vision. The list was based on the ladies’ work in music, art, technology, student leadership, entrepreneurship among other areas.
Behold, here are the ladies to look out for in 2016. Read and share widely!
1. Esther Kinuthia
22-year-old Esther comes across as a go-getter, an achiever and an inspiration to many people. Esther Kinuthia recently graduated from Strathmore University specializing in marketing. She was also a marketing intern with Google Kenya and will be soon joining Google Ireland as an Account Strategist. Esther has also been named by Business Daily Africa as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Women in Kenya.
2. Wanjira Longauer
The gorgeous Capital FM presenter is one of the fastest-rising radio show hosts in Kenya. She recently scored a gig with Ebony TV as a host of the show ‘Moments’ alongside Amina Abdi. She is keen on uniqueness, creating change, inspiring her fellow youth. Wanjira has spent most of her life in New York but has always been connected with her Kenyan roots.
3. Lornex Rono
Lornex recently gave a talk at TEDx Harvard. She is a survivor of the 2007/2008 post-election voilence and is a junior in Boston Public Schools. In just one year, Lornex has moved from being an English Language Learner to an AP student. She is a Boston Scholar Athlete, Track Team All Star, Varsity Policy Debater, a member of Student Government, all while maintaining Straight As.
4. Idah Nguma
At the tender age of 22 she’s managed to win the Miss World Kenya. The lady has attended many national events, including the crowning of President Uhuru as the Best President in Africa by the prestigious Africa Education and Leadership Awards institute. She was also in attendance at the “Evening With Lupita” dinner held recently at Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi. She comes across as a dignified, inspirational and highly ambitious lady.
5. Mina Reeve
Mina is an Experiential PR strategist and founder of Nami Africa, a communications and PR agency based in Nairobi. She also worked on the Africa Parkinson’s Disease Foundation’s event and publicity when they celebrated the World Parkinson’s Day on 11th April this year. She was also part of the team behind the revamping of the National Youth Service (NYS). She also works closely with NCYE (Nairobi City Young Entrepreneurs U30) for their PR and event support. She’s currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at the University of Nottingham but has a vibrant team which manages Nami Africa.
6. Dorothy Nyamai
23-year old Dorothy Nyamai is a Biochemistry student in Nairobi. She’s an avid environmentalist who’s passionate in finding a cure for many illnesses affecting Kenyans. For her Master’s thesis, she’s studying the bark of Prunus Africana, which is used as medicine for prostrate cancer, among other illnesses.
7. The Moipei Quartet
The Moipei Sisters have won the hearts of Kenyans over the years. We’ve seen them grow to be one of the most successful Kenyan musical groups. They have sang the National Anthem at national events and received massive support and accolades from that. Their most monumental achievement to date happened in the USA where they sang the National Anthem at the onset of an NBA game; putting Kenya on the global map.
8. Tessy Cherono Maritim
Tessy Cherono is the first African Diversity Officer for the Executive Committee at the University of Manchester in England. She serves over 40,000 students on campus. She has been featured prominently on local and international shows and publications; from AM Live to the Daily Nation. Tessy is a co-founder of Arena Africa,
9. Shikow Femi One
You may have known her from her guest appearance in the hit song “Ligi Soo Remix” by Kaka Sungura. She has maintained her forte as a fast-rising Swahili rapper by releasing more songs. They include “Maumbile” ft Ms. Kerry and “Karata” ft Rabbit. She’s currently signed by Kaka Empire, a label founded by Rabbit.
