The fastest man in Africa, Ferdinand Omanyala, 29, is never far away from making headlines. Recently, it was about his refusal to race American Content Creator Ishowspeed unless he paid him at least $50,000 (Sh6.4 million).
Then the Sh500,000 the Data Commissioner awarded him after winning a data violation case against Oxygene PR agency that used his photo for promotion without consent. Omanyala is a man who knows exactly what he wants.
American YouTuber Darren Jason Watkins Jr alias iShowSpeed is received by his fans at KICC in Nairobi on January 11, 2026 as part of his “Speed Does Africa” tour.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
I know I will not be running forever, so I have to make every race count. I run to make a living. It could be entertaining to others, but it's not to me, nor to the brand sponsors who support me.
My biggest fear is getting back to where I came from - poverty, once I retire. That is why when I see an opportunity, I pounce on it. When you are still an active runner, there are so many opportunities that come your way, and my job is to make sure each of them counts with the future in mind.
Africa’s fastest man outdoor Ferdinand Omanyala.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Once I retire from athletics, I will concentrate on my job as a police officer. At some point, I will be a manager or a coach. So I have retirement plan options.
So far, 2024 has been one of my best years financially. I completed my seven-bedroom house that cost about Sh50 million. I am grateful my days of renting are over. I used to live in a bedsitter, you know.
I believe in the liquidity of money. I am not the type to buy land as an investment. I know it's a Kenyan thing; if you have an emergency, it's very difficult to find an immediate buyer of land and at the right price. That is why I invest a lot of my money in Treasury and Infrastructure bonds.
The first time I earned a million bob, I almost went crazy. I was so confused because I wasn’t used to seeing that kind of money. These days, no amount of money shocks me. Now I know how to handle big cheques with ease and calmness.
There is a race I am targeting this year, it will be in September, in Budapest, and the prize money is crazy, around Sh20 million.
Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya celebrates after winning Heat 2 in the 100m men's race at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France on August 03, 2024.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
I wouldn't want to speak about my ‘alleged marriage scandal’. It's a past incident that happened two years ago, and I chose not to respond to it and let people believe in whatever they wanted to. I am very lucky to have an understanding wife.
Social media is a place where people hide a lot. The way I present myself on social media and the way I live in real life are completely two different things. I don't know why on social media we never want to see people doing good and thriving.
Because I am rarely in the country, always travelling for races, many are the times I fly my wife to be with me. I could use a cheerleader. I am an introvert, and I prefer my alone time. I like spending my time at home being alone, reading books.
