As soon as 2019 began, a number of Kenyan women and men reportedly bagged global recognition and appointments in their respective fields, which will obviously elevate their careers to greater heights.
Here we compile a list of some of the Kenyans making major moves:
1. Larry Madowo
Kenyan British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Africa Business Editor, Larry Madowo, was selected to host the Global Mobile Awards 2019 (GLOMO), which takes place from the 25th to the 28th of February.
The awards ceremony, which is regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the tech-world, will feature on the afternoon of 26th February where over 100,000 guests are expected.
According to an excerpt from the official GLOMO press release, Larry was selected due to his wealth of experience, having reported from more than 40 countries and interviewed some of the world’s most prominent business, political and cultural leaders.
The BBC Africa editor is also set to present selected awards throughout the week leading to the event.
2. Maureen Momanyi
Momanyi was appointed as a Board Member to the Africa Advisory Board of Save the Children UK.
The international non-governmental organization promotes children’s rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries under Save the Children Fund.
On social media she made the announcement, stating what the job means to her.
“Hi guys. I am so excited to share with you that I have been appointed as Board Member to the Africa Advisory Board of Save the Children UK. If you follow my posts, you must have got to understand I have deep passion for totos (children) and giving back… it is thus so natural for me to take up such a role.
"I can’t wait to share with you more about what @savechildrenuk and @savethechildren_kenya are doing. On the several meetings we’ve had… amazing stuff! And honestly… the stories are both heartbreaking but also powerful vibes of people who want to make a difference in the lives of children," she posted.
She further opined that everyone should take collective responsibility towards ensuring that kids are provided with a good environment to grow and thrive.
"Do we even understand whats happening to kids especially in marginalised areas in Kenya? and how everyone can play a role to help the deprived and marginalized children in our country,” she posed.
3. Maureen Kunga
Kunga who is a lawyer and also part of Elani, an African pop group that comprises of two other members, Bryan Chweya, and Wambui Ngugi, bagged a major opportunity and is currently in the States.
She made the announcement on social media expressing her appreciation.
“I am one of only five people chosen from across the world to speak at the “New Business Revolution: Music For Development” panel at the conference. I’ll be sharing my insights on the contribution of music to the African economy,” she posted.
4. Naisola Likimani
Activist Naisola Likimani was appointed to lead SheDecides, a global organization that fights for the rights of girls and women.
The movement was launched at the start of 2017 as a reaction to the Global Gag Rule, an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on January 23, 2017.
The order prohibited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who received US global health assistance from providing legal abortion services or referrals, while also barring advocacy for abortion law reform that supports safe abortion services.
Likimani has been tasked with building a new team, to support the movement to keep on growing from strength to strength and starts the job just before global SheDecides Day, on March 2, 2019.
Naisola has worked in civil societies, government and in diverse coalitions at different levels, strengthening social movements that promote equality, inclusion and accountability.
In her most recent role, she oversaw strategic partnerships with the civil society at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kenya. She is also an international policy and development expert.
5. Philip Kamau
Kamau, a banker, was appointed to head a new funds drive worth $100 million (Kshs10 billion) at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The fund seeks to invest in all market segments in Africa with a major focus centred around small and medium-sized enterprises.
He was selected to head the project dubbed Export Development in Africa (FEDA).
Accepting the new role, Kamau disclosed that the bank had run a study and discovered that there was a wide funding gap hence hindering intra-African business growth.
“Feda would start investment activities in 2019, with a target to invest $10 million (about Ksh1 billion) during the year. It is also targeting to raise $450 million (about Ksh45 billion) in FDI during the period,” he remarked.
Prior to the appointment, Kamau worked as a senior director in charge of finance at the international lender
6. Wanjiku Mugane
Mugane was appointed as the senior advisor of African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), a member of Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI).
AIIM is an international organization that deals with Information Management Systems (IMS) for organizations.
The organization is among the leading and largest entities in African that focuses on the delivery of infrastructure-focused private equity.
Mugane’s appointment by AIIM comes at a time when ODM leader, Raila Odinga, was only recently appointed to the seat of High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.
Based in Nairobi, Mugane will be working closely with other teams and supporting AIIM investment team while delivering market insight.
Prior to her appointment, Mugane was the East Africa CEO of Standard Chartered Securities and co-founder of First Africa Group, providing cross-border corporate finance advisory.
7. Dr. Ouma Oluga
Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary-General Ouma Oluga was elected the president of all health workers around the world.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Dr Oluga indicated that his election as President of the Health Workers for All Coalition followed a three-phase process that kicked off in December 14, 2018.
On his new appointment, Oluga exuded confidence that his new position would put Kenya on the global map as the coalition continues to champion for the universal access to skilled health workers.
He will be at the helm of the global coalition of medical workers for two years beginning mid-February, 2019, where he will co-chair alongside Amanda Banda from Amsterdam, Netherlands.
8. Yvonne Okwara
Citizen TV news anchor, Yvonne Okwara Matole, was appointed as the Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN) supplements ambassador in Kenya 2019.
USN is a UK based sports supplement company that prides itself in offering only the best sports supplementation and expert nutritional advice.
Their aim is to fuel the ambitions of fitness enthusiasts and individuals across the globe to push harder and reach their maximum potential.
According to videos on her social media, Yvonne is normally seen lifting weights and doing burpees among other exercises under the guidance of her trainer.
Taking to her Instagram page, Yvonne expressed gratitude to USN even as she vowed to challenge herself more in the gym.
USN Kenya stated that they were proud to welcome Yvonne as the newest member of their family.
9. James Mwangi
Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi was appointed to a Columbia University’s regional board.
Joining the Columbia Global Centers – Nairobi Advisory Board, Mwangi will be tasked with steering regional matters and tackling emerging issues in leadership, technology and higher education alongside other board members.
Announcing his appointment, Columbia University President Lee Bollinger revealed that the region had vast opportunities hence the need for his experience.
“We believe Dr Mwangi’s experience in the region, as well as the wealth of knowledge, will be instrumental to this advisory board and guide the university on strategic initiatives and endeavours within the region,” stated Bollinger.
He is the chairman of Vision 2030 Delivery Board, serves on the board of VISA and guest lectures at Harvard, MIT, Columbia, Stanford Universities among others.
He previously served on the Clinton Global Initiative.
10. Mercy Masika
Kenyan gospel musician Mercy Masika was among guests invited to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Hilton, Washington DC on February 7, 2019.
An excited Masika took to her Instagram page to express delight at the opportunity where she will be among many other dignitaries including US President Donald Trump.
“It’s my first time in America and Senator James Inhofe invited me personally to attend the breakfast. It's humbling to be recognized by such influential people,” she stated.
The musician will be sharing meals with global leaders and influential people at the breakfast and related events.
The National Prayer Breakfast is a yearly event held in Washington, DC, mostly on the first Thursday of February.
It is a tradition that dates back and is significant in the US annual calendar attended by over 3,500 dignitaries from about 140 Countries.
While touring the USA, she will also perform at the KCFA Community Service and CITAM church.
