1.Martha Karua
As a minister of constitutional affairs, there a time when even the mighty Raila had to think twice before confronting her. Her sheer courage is beyond any woman in Kenyan history. Love or hate her Karua is a force to reckon with and now that she wants to be president in 2012, the jury is still out there on how she will perform when that time come.
2. Wangare Maathai.
The Nobel laureate influence is beyond Kenyan boarder, in the same league as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and other Africa great. Not highly appreciated at home as shown during last year election but like Jesus said that is expected
3. Pamela Jelimo
Pamela Jelimo made an impact in her speciality–the 800m race. She not only won the gold for the 800m in the 2008 Olympics but she also is the first Kenyan to win the Golden League Jackpot of $1,000,000. She holds the World Record and the Senior African Record in the 800m.–all before the age of 19. Not bad for one so young. So if the power come with money and fame she has it on the world stage..
4.Charity Ngilu
She is the Kenyan woman political rock star. I can remember in 1997 when she first vied for Presidency ..mazaa ni ya Ngilu was a force to reckon with. What about the day she ditched PNU before 2007 election to join ODM, uhuru park went wild when she arrived in style.
5. Edda Gachukia
You can never miss to know her in the education cycle. If there is a woman version of late DR.Griffin in Kenya, Edda Gachukia would be the one. Let see how far she will steer Starehe Girls Center now that Griffin is not on the seen..
6.Hellen Sambili
The Minister for sport has created some resemblance of order in management of sports in Kenya since coming to the office. Believe me anybody who can tame the voltures in KFF and have the Harambee Stars in the right direction is worth mentioning. Although most sport federations in Kenya are still in a shamble the very good lady is doing something and sport fans are looking forward to the year 2009
7. Njoki Ndung’u
She really dazzled the last parliament with her landmark crusade to make Kenyan safe for women. As nominated member of Parliament her contribution was priceless and way above the lazy lots we elected to represent us. Her opinion on social issuess affecting Kenya is highly sort by the various media organization in Kenya….
8. Caroline Mutoko
In the last few year her influence has wained due the rise and rise of Maina Kageni who definitely have overshadowed all the radio presenters in Kenya. But Mutoko is still on top there, and no wonder she was among the media personalities arrested on Jamhuri day. Her morning show i think is still in top three of most listened to in Kenya.
9. Lucy Kibaki
Now this mama has gone underground since the last election. But you know her and nobody in Kenyan politics now would want to cross her path whatever party you come from. The list of her casualties is too long to mention here. But at her best she ranks on top there as the most influencial woman during Kibaki’s Presidency
10. Margaret Wanjiru
Even before becoming an MP and Assistant minister Bishop Dr.Margret Wanjiru’s influence in Kenya and beyond its borders was already phenomenon. Her Jiam church is attended by who is who in Kenyan society. Her image got a dent when Kamangu came on the picture but now as an MP and Assitant Minister on top of being a Bishop, Wanjiru is among the most influencial women in Kenya today
Others who could have easily made this list are, Idah Odinga, Congestina Achieng, Julie Gichuru, Jecinta Wanjala Mwatela,
Do you have any woman in mind whom i should have included in the top ten. Make your list
Whre is IDDA and Martha?
My mum should be in this List-She is Called Doreen 4 Real
Inteeresting that they are all in politics. Are there no business women who deserve merit?
What kind of nonsense is this?
Sure Enough Top Ten Most Influential Women in Kenya should return piles of interest but for the fact it can be engrossing reading.
@Dydayagriva: http://www.kachwanya.com/?feed=rss2 is the RSS feed link, you can copy it and paste it on your blogroll feed
Tabitha Karanja of Keroche Breweries comes to mind
where is bishop margy?i tell u she is a hit
If you are talking of most popular women…your list got it right. But most influential…really who does someone like Ngilu influence…Definitely not me…Okay somebody like Dr. Eddah Gachukia fits in this profile. She is a lady who travels the country and is ever delivering speeches to young girls in school. She is a mentor and someone I look up to…She is truly influential. I give you props for having her on your list but as for some people like Margaret Wanjiru…PLease redefine influential so that they can be on this list…Anyway good try though…so let me give you my list of influential women(not blubber mouths) in this country…1. Eddah Gachukia
2. Professor Wanjiku Kabira of the University of Nairobi 3. Wangari Maathai 4. Orie Rogo Manduli 5. Martha Karua 6.Caroline Mutuko 7.Honestly am having a hard time getting my list to ten…sorry there seems to be a lack of truly influential women in the country.
Now now, how can Pamela Jelimo be influential?
lets talk more about martha!!!!give me reason asto why i should not vote for Martha as my next president?
@ mumbi…. you only asked 4 a reason but I’ll gladly offer you reasons a) she was part of the system that participated in the killing of innocent Kenyans during the post election violence b)during her tenure as the minister for justice we saw various appointments made based on ethnic inclinations despite the numerous plea from Kenyans c)still as the minister of justice she quit her job claiming frustrations, from her employer this shows that she cant sustain the pressure that come along with presidency D) she is temperas this is a clear recipe for disaster e.g if Museveni behaves the way he is doing and Martha is the president then you can guess what will happen.
what are you basing your argument/accusations on?.point out facts and evidence.the problem with Kenya is that we are only good at being judgmental.NO ONE is perfect.even YOUR OWN choice of a leader will still have “Flaws”