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.
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!
11. Wangechi Waweru
Wangechi is a household name in Kenya. The rapper is known for her resilience, her unique music as well as her smartness. The Strathmore University student was at the lowest moment in her life when she got involved in a road accident that changed her life for good. She has since managed to do several musical projects, the most recent being her inspirational video “Cardiac Arrest.’ In 2014, she was featured by CNN Inside Africa as one of the artistes to watch in the near future. She, alongside fellow rappers Fena, Xtatic and a few others performed at the Excel Center In East London in June last year for the Excel Global Summit which was hosted by Angelina Jolie.
12. Malaika Firth
She has represented Kenya in the global modeling scene. Malaika, originally from Mombasa is now based in New York. The 21-year-old has already been featured on Vogue, The Guardian, Telegram among other top global news outlets. She has modeled for big brands, including Asos, Burberry, Prada and H&M.
13. Trina Njoroge
Trina is the official Face Of Kenya USA 2015. In a recent interview that I did with her, she revealed to Mpasho that she did not think she could do much because of her age:
“I’m only 19 and back then, I didn’t think I was capable of doing much, I wanted to make a difference but I didn’t know where to even begin. Then, I heard about Face of Kenya USA and it was a perfect opportunity for me to begin my journey and tell everyone about the charity I’m sponsoring known as “Angels Forgotten,” She said. This is not the first time she’s winning a big pageant; she had been crowned Miss Teen ‘Peoples Choice Award’ and ‘Most Photogenic,’ as well as “Runners Up.” This happened in her high school years and it was a precursor to her recent big win.
14. Kui Purity Muchai
Purity Wangari Muchia just finished her undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi (UON) and is waiting to graduate in December. She majored in Marketing and did a minor in Human Resource. Her biggest achievement to date is being a leader in societal issues. She’s been a chair-lady of Women Student Welfare Association (WOSWA) and a Congress Lady in SONU where she oversaw over 500 student members.
Kui’s motivation is her parents and siblings. She is currently working with Microsoft East and Southern Africa as a Marketing Intern. Kui is also working on an app that will help cancer patients solve their financial problems; the app is dubbed Cancervive. She’s also Nakuru Youth Senator.
15. Elodie Zone
Elodie is currently a student in USIU. The Vlogger has a large following on her social media. She’s made amazing videos, which explore the African stereotypes and issues facing local youth. Her videos get an average of 5,000 views with some going viral. She’s previously worked with Clarence Peters, a top Nigerian music director on a music video. She is a part time presenter at USIU FM.
