2016 was an exemplary year in which many Kenyans flew the country's flag high both locally and internationally.
As the curtains close and we usher in 2017, Kenyans.co.ke sought to compile the top 10 celebrated Kenyans.
1. Fred Matiang'i
First on the list is Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i who has been lauded for spearheading one of the most secure national examination in the Kenyan history - both in Primary and Secondary schools.
Dr Matiang'i's strict and hands-on style of leadership has been celebrated by many across the country. In 2016, he made numerous impromptu to schools across the country where headteachers and tutors sleeping on their job were busted.
2. Amina Mohammed
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed has also received regional and international recognition for her exemplary work.
It was in 2016 that President Uhuru Kenyatta nominated her to be elected as the Chairperson of the African Union.
"I see that Amina is doing well. We have nominated her to be the AU chairperson,” President Kenyatta expressed his confidence in the CS.
3. Kenyatta National Hospital Surgeons
Surgeons at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) made history in November when they successfully separated conjoined twins in a 23-hour operation.
The team of over 58 medics were the first to conduct what was termed as the most complex procedure to be done successfully in sub-Saharan African except South Africa.
4. Kenya 7s Rugby Team
The Kenya 7s Rugby team, also referred to as the Shujaa, was the talk of the town in April after a historic win at the Singapore Sevens Rugby Tournament.
While returning back to Kenya, the team was received royally with politicians streaming to make lucrative promises to every player.
President Kenyatta promised the team a whopping Sh10 Million, Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko pledged Sh100,000 for each player while Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario promised that the government would give Sh2 Million to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to clear all accrued allowances and bills.
5. Collins Injera
In may, Kenya Sevens player Collin Injera became the all-time top try scorer in the HSBC world rugby series with 231 tries at the London Finale.
6. Jemimah Sumgong
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Jemimah Sumgong became the first woman to win gold in the women's Olympic marathon.
Sumgong completed the race at a record time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and four seconds.
7. Patrick Njoroge
In October, Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge was named the African Central Bank Governor of the Year in the 10th African Banker Awards.
Mr Njoroge was feted for cleaning up Kenya's banking sector through improved supervision.
He also topped for his integrity, with the judges lauding him for re-establishing order in the country's banking industry.
8. Eveylne Njambi
In the fashion world, Evelyne Njambi – a 22-year-old Kenyan student – emerged among the top five winners in the 2016 Miss World beauty pageant.
9. Ciiru Waithaka
Ciiru Waithaka, a Kenyan entrepreneur was recognised by U.S First Lady Michelle Obama during the United State of Women Summit at the White House.
The First Lady congratulated Ms Waithaka for starting a company – FunKidz – that specialises in furniture, accessories and educational tools for children in Africa.
While calling Ms Waithaka on stage, the US First Lady said; “You go girl, Ciiru is from Kenya so we’re family” and warmly embraced her.
10. Asha Mwilu & Rashid Idi
In the media industry, KTN journalist Asha Mwilu and Rashid Idi were awarded the top prize at the 2016 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards Ceremony.
The duo shared the overall ‘CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year’ award for their work ‘Terror Crossing’ which was chosen from a record number of 1,637 entries across the African continent.
