Adani whistleblower Nelson Amenya and journalist John Allan Namu are among the Kenyans featured in the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 list.
London-based New African magazine released the list of 100 most influential Africans on Friday, December 27, honoring individuals for their significant contributions to the nation.
“The London-based New African magazine today released its highly anticipated annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024. The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors who have positively impacted the continent and the world over the past year,” a statement from New African Magazine read in part.
Amenya first made headlines on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), in July 2024 when he leaked documents about a controversial proposed agreement between Kenya and the Adani Group, an Indian multinational corporation.
Amenya and Namu honored by New African Magazine
The deal involved leasing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for 30 years for modernization and management.
Amenya, a master’s Student in France, shared the documents online, sparking significant public outrage over concerns about the deal’s fairness and its potential negative impact on the Kenyan economy.
His efforts to challenge the deal proved successful when President William Ruto ultimately scrapped it after the United States government accused Gautam Adani and several senior executives from the Adani Group of orchestrating a massive bribery scheme.
Also Read: Nelson Amenya: Meet Kenyan Whistleblower Behind JKIA-Adani Deal
On the other hand, Namu has been known for his investigative journalism through his company, African Uncensored, shedding light on critical issues within the country.
This year, he gained attention with his documentary “Fertile Deception”. This exposé revealed the prevalence of counterfeit fertilizer in Kenya, which has severely affected small-scale farmers.
Namu’s investigation uncovered that a company was repackaging diatomite rocks and selling them as subsidized fertilizer, which proved to be ineffective and potentially harmful to crops.
Other Kenyans who were also recognized
The veteran journalist faced pressure from senior politicians who attempted to prevent the story from being broadcasted.
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Nevertheless, he remained committed to exposing the truth and highlighting corruption within the agricultural sector.
Besides Amenya and Namu, other Kenyans who were honored include Zaine Verjee- a former CNN Journalist, musician Victoria Kimani, and Ruth Chepng’etich who made headlines by setting a new women’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon.
Other Kenyans who were honored include Ecobank Transnational Incorporated CEO include Jeremy Awori and TV show Producer Eugene Mbugua.
About New African:
New African has been published continuously since 1966. This English-language monthly magazine consistently presents an African perspective on international news.
It is essential reading for government officials, business leaders, professionals, and anyone interested in African affairs.
Also Read: John Allan Namu Wins Prestigious Award in the US
Distributed in over 100 countries, New African is a leading commentator on African issues and is considered Africa’s best-selling magazine.
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