Here are 12 Kenyan women to watch in 2024

Saturday, January 06, 2024

Scroll down to read the article

They are visionaries, disruptors, and the trailblazers who are rewriting the narrative and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Photo credit: File

By Wangu Kanuri

Contributor

Summary
Article
Related

In the constantly evolving landscape of talent, innovation, and leadership, 2024 promises to shine a spotlight on a remarkable cohort of women who are ready to leave an indelible mark on their respective fields. These are the women to watch – the visionaries, the disruptors, and the trailblazers who are rewriting the narrative and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
Although the list could easily stretch beyond its current confines, we have opted to showcase 12 outstanding women sin various domains, poised to capture our attention and admiration throughout 2024.

MUSIC
NADIA MUKAMI

Wearing the prestigious title of the Top Female Artist on Boomplay, Nadia Mukami has dedicated herself to advancing her music career.

As a multi-track world champion and record-breaking athlete, Faith not only upheld her existing records but also set new ones, earning recognition both locally and internationally.
In her most recent accomplishment, Faith achieved a remarkable milestone by being ranked among the 100 most influential Africans of 2023, with the prestigious title of Female World Athlete of the Year.
Her incredible feats included shattering the 1,500m, and 5,000m record clocking a time of 3:49:11 and 14:05:20 respectively during the Florence Diamond League in Italy on June 2 and the Paris Diamond League in France a week after.
Not done, on July 21, at the Monaco Diamond League, Faith triumphed in the One Mile race, achieving a time of 4:07:64. Adding to her accolades, on Jamhuri Day, Faith was honoured with the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) award by President William Ruto.

ENVIRONMENT
WANJIRA MAATHAI

The saying "like mother, like daughter" finds its true embodiment in the remarkable Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Prof Wangari Maathai.
Carrying forward her mother's legacy, Wanjira has emerged as a prominent advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Her dedicated efforts in land restoration and forestry initiatives within Kenya have earned her recognition both nationally and internationally.
Currently serving as the Managing Director of Africa and Global Partnership at the World Resource Institute (WRI), Wanjira has secured a substantial funding of Sh13 billion. This funding is strategically aimed at restoring 100 million hectares of land by 2030, a collaborative effort involving 33 African governments.

HUMANITARIAN
WAWIRA NJIRU

She is a prominent fintech leader and technology entrepreneur who is focused on building impactful technology, solving problems, and aiding others. Notably, she was appointed as a member of the AI and Ethics Advisory Board of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in the previous year.
Before assuming this significant role, Juliana held the position of Head of Department for Fintech Integration Solutions at Safaricom, where she had the responsibility of overseeing the company's financial solutions, primarily centred around MPesa.
In mid-March, she orchestrated Safaricom's inaugural Fintech Innovation Week, a pioneering event that gathered thought leaders, partners, and developers from various African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Lesotho, Ghana, Egypt, and more.

While many have faded into obscurity after their moments of fame, Azziad Nasenya has managed to sustain her success.
Azziad burst onto the scene in 2020 with her viral dance performance to Femi One featuring Mejja's song Utawezana. She leveraged her dancing skills to secure a prominent position for herself.
Not only has she become a radio host at one of Kenya's radio stations, but she has also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Selina, Faithless, and The Odd Pair.
In addition to her career achievements, Azziad has secured ambassadorial deals and consistently creates engaging content for her various social media platforms.
Despite facing detractors, Azziad remains undeterred, maintaining her determination and continually enhancing her personal brand.

TOP CORPORATE LEADERSHIP
ESTHER MASESE WAITITU

Appointed as the Chief Financial Services Officer for Safaricom in February 2023, Esther's deep-seated passion within the renowned blue-chip company lies in her work with MPesa.
During a prior interview, Esther unveiled her overarching goal – to empower users and ensure they have a profound awareness of their financial well-being.
She said, "How can we promote your financial health? If you can manage bill payments and conduct transactions seamlessly through MPesa, surely you can also utilise the same platform to invest and save. Furthermore, we must safeguard your financial interests through insurance. How can we transform these aspirations into a tangible reality, even for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs?"
Currently, M-Pesa offers a diverse range of services encompassing education, events and experiences, financial solutions, insurance, health and wellness offerings, public sector services, shopping and gifting options, as well as transport and travel services.

FILM INDUSTRY
NG'ENDO MUKII

Here are 12 Kenyan women to watch in 2024

What you need to know:

Harvard University first black female president resigns amidst scandals

Recommended for you

The body count debate: When does a partner's past become a relationship concern?

How Sankaran is making maths simple for millions of learners

Should I take cheaper loans abroad or invest in Kenya’s property market?

When you seek ‘dudus’ at the Ondiri Swamp

In the headlines

Dutchman, Kenyan woman clash over Sh2.2m ‘love’ gift ends in court

Court saves taxpayers Sh120bn in Moi-era supplier claim

Why tap water is turning green in homes around Lake Victoria

What you need to know:

PREMIUM Harvard University first black female president resigns amidst scandals

PREMIUM The body count debate: When does a partner's past become a relationship concern?

PREMIUM How Sankaran is making maths simple for millions of learners

PREMIUM Should I take cheaper loans abroad or invest in Kenya’s property market?

PREMIUM When you seek ‘dudus’ at the Ondiri Swamp

PREMIUM Dutchman, Kenyan woman clash over Sh2.2m ‘love’ gift ends in court

PREMIUM Court saves taxpayers Sh120bn in Moi-era supplier claim

PREMIUM Why tap water is turning green in homes around Lake Victoria