Nine Kenyans have been ranked among the 100 most influential Africans by the New African Magazine.
The list, released a few days before the New Year, celebrates Africans making strides and impacting lives from different sectors.
President William Ruto was among Kenyans who made it to the list under the politics and public service category.
The achievement comes after Times Magazine ranked Ruto among the top 100 world’s most influential leaders, contrary to Tifa and InfoTrak polls, which have shown his popularity back home decreasing.
The President, who has been under immense pressure to deliver, accused the opposition led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga of sabotaging his agendas. He also claimed that recent global developments, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, affected his timelines for service delivery after Kenyans called him out for lying incessantly.
Opposition leaders, however, argued that the Kenya Kwanza administration was buying its way into continental and global rankings in an effort to repair Ruto's image.
"Why this desperation for validation?" Kileleshwa MCA and opposition politician Robert Alai questioned the New African Magazine, which credited Ruto for service delivery.
Nonetheless, Kenya was well represented in the New African Magazine sports category, as Kelvin Kiptum and Faith Kipyegon made it to the list.
Kelvin Kiptum, on October 8, 2023, broke the men’s marathon world record previously set by counterpart Eliud Kipchoge. Kiptum set a new record of 2 hours and 35 seconds, beating Kipchoge’s record by over thirty seconds.
The legendary Faith Kipyegon shocked the world in June 2023 after she broke the 5,000 and 1,500 women's marathon records in one week.
In Climate Change advocacy, James Irungu Mwangi and Wanjira Mathai graced the list.
Irungu Mwangi, the founder of the Climate Action Platform for Africa, speaking during the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, shared major insights to propel Africa towards becoming a prominent hub for Climate Action.
This was the second time Wanjira Mathai has been selected by the New Africa Magazine under the climate category, clearly showing her impact over the years in developing strategies that address global issues, including energy access and deforestation.
Other Kenyans ranked by New African Magazine included Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi under the business category, celebrity chef Ali Mandhry, filmmaker Wanuri Kaihiu, Environmentalist Wanjira Mathai, and Historian Chao Maina.
