John Korir is a Kenyan middle-distance runner who put his name on the world map thanks to an extraordinary 2024.

The athlete not only upheld Kenya's famous reputation for producing top runners this year, he did so in style by shattering his own record.

Born in Kitale in 1996, there were hints that Korir was destined for greatness as he followed in the footsteps of his older brother Wesley Korir, who famously won the Boston Marathon in 2012.

Ahmed Kura is the Country Director and Co-Founder of the Kenya Drylands Education Fund, which he founded in 2013 alongside longtime Manchester resident Sarah Hadden.

One of the core missions of the organisation was to break down barriers to education in the remote Marsabit and Samburu regions of Northern Kenya.

Spearheading an educational cause is never easy, but Kura has broken the barriers to bring education to geographic regions where few would dare explore.

John Magiro redefined innovation when he founded his own company, Magiro Hydro Electricity, supplying electricity to thousands of households.

His innovation was so ground-breaking that it attracted the attention of EPRA. Thanks to adopting a unique approach, Magiro has single-handedly reduced the reliance on firewood and kerosene, improving living conditions and promoting environmental conservation.

Moses Nderitu is the Kenyan Managing Director of BasiGo, which is revolutionising the transport sector in the country while simultaneously playing his part in preserving the environment.

He has been instrumental in driving the company's mission to revolutionise public transportation in Africa by providing electric bus solutions.

BasiGo has had a significant positive impact on society by promoting sustainable transportation in the city and beyond.

Dr Salim Ishmael is a prominent Kenyan medical professional and a key leader for Medics for Kenya.

As one of the more active medical professionals on social media, Ishmael's influence, especially among Gen Z, cannot be understated.

This was particularly evident during the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi on June 20, 2024, when he publicly coordinated medical support for injured protesters at the Jamia Mosque, working alongside Dr Austin Omondi and a team of dedicated medics.

Arguably one of the bravest souls in Kenya today, Bob Njagi has been integral in highlighting the issues facing ordinary Kenyans in 2024.

The activist, who is the leader of the Free Kenya Movement, endured everyone's worst nightmare when he was hustled out of a matatu and taken into confinement by unknown individuals in August 2024.

Ironically, the human rights defender had his own rights violated, spending 32 days behind four walls at the mercy of his abductors.

Catherine Wanjeri wa Kariuki is a Kameme TV/FM journalist whose bravery captured national attention during Kenya’s anti-government protests in July 2024.

While covering protests in Nakuru County, she was shot three times with rubber bullets by police officers.

She was awarded the 2024 Freedom Warrior Award in December. 

The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) feted Wanjeri for her resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to press freedom. 

Benson Abila is a social entrepreneur and sustainability advocate with expertise in project management, recycling, and the circular economy.

He is the founder of M-Taka, a tech-integrated waste management social enterprise, and Homeless of Kisumu, a non-profit supporting vulnerable groups in western Kenya.

Benson has partnered with organisations such as USAID, GIZ, and the US Embassy in Kenya.

Eric Njiru is a Kenyan sports journalist and radio presenter at the Radio Africa Group, recognised for his contributions to sports media. 

At the beginning of the year, Njiru was selected as the Kenyan Sports Journalist to vote in the FIFA The Best Awards.

He has also been serving as the Vice President for the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya since 2023.

Nyakang’o, an accomplished accountant and financial manager, was appointed as the Controller of Budget in 2019 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The 65-year-old, who hails from Nyamira County, is an accomplished academician and accountant with an impressive track record in public service.