Diaspora Digital Media Kenyan Report releases Kenya’s Top 40 under 40

Unlike other similar ventures that focus on specific fields, this one has a single list with those who made the list coming from different professions. There are politicians, tech entrepreneurs, musicians, and athletes. According to the Kenyan Report, these are the men and women who are shaping the future of the country. 

On top of the list is famed athlete Faith Kipyegon who has broken several world records and bagged more than twenty gold medals. She is followed by politician Paul Ongili popularly referred to as Babu Owino, a second term member of parliament for Embakasi East.

Other politicians who made the list include Ndindi Nyoro, MP Kiharu constituency, Johnson Sakaja, the Nairobi County Governor, and Cleophas Malala, the Secretary General of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Senator Aaron Cheruiyot of Kericho, Senator Karungo wa Thangwa of Kiambu, and Nandi County Woman Representative Cynthia Rotich also made the list. 

Media personalities who scored well enough to appear include Citizen’s Victoria Rubadiri who appears at number 10 and Ayub Abdikadir at number 13, also from Citizen. 

Musicians Size 8 whose real name is Linet Munyali as well as Kevin Kioko popularly known as Bahati made the list together with famous YouTuber Evelyn Mungai who runs a lucrative YouTube channel that has been featured by mainstream media outlets such as Nation.

Outspoken public intellectual Onchari Oyieyo and Centre for African Progress CEO also made the list as did entrepreneurs Catherine Mahugu who is the founder of Soko and Chiswara and Darshan Chandaria, the current boss of the Chandaria business empire.

First daughters Charlene Ruto and Ngina Kenyatta are also listed as being the under 40s who are making an impact in the country’s fabric. 

According to the Kenyan Report, Kenyans were encouraged to vote by suggesting names over a period of one month and the listing was done based on votes garnered with the top personality having scored the most votes. 

It is not uncommon for such lists to appear at one point or another but they are usually received with criticism and skepticism as the criteria is questioned and the motive scrutinized. 

When reached for comment, Jectone Oyoo, the Dallas-based owner of the Kenya Report stated that, “the list is totally organic and it was conducted with less fanfare to avoid interference as some people can easily mobilize respondents to influence the outcome.”

“The list is extremely believable and it represents the true terrain of the influence of the under 40 men and women who are making a mark in their respective fields. “For example Faith Kipyeon is loved and admired by every Kenyan, and her name popped up from Kenyans across the country.

 “We shall be doing this annually and we shall organize a small token of recognition for the top five as from next year,” Mr. Oyoo said.