Infotrack releases list of Kenyan heroes and heroines of 2024

By Robert Mutasi

As Kenya plunges headlong into the year 2024, a survey carried out by Infotrak presents the country with a fundamentally diverse list of individuals and groups who rank as the most influential in the land

Results show shifting dynamics within Kenya's socio-political landscape in which both veterans and emerging voices take center stage on the national scene.

Emerging top in this year's survey, with a robust 23% of the vote, is collectively the emerging force known as Gen Z.

This growth indicates the face of Kenya's evolution to be more innovative, activist, and digitally engaged because of this generation. With their energetic push for change in politics, entertainment, and social activism, Gen Z has cemented their position as a catalyst for change in shaping the future of the nation.

Not far behind is the indefatigable opposition leader, Raila Odinga, coming in at 18%. A stalwart in Kenyan politics for decades, Odinga continues to epitomize resistance and reform.

Coming somewhat as a surprise to many, given the dominance of men among the top five, is Faith Kipyegon, an accomplished track star with the backs of 11% of those polled.

Kipyegon's glittering success on the international stage, especially on the track, has inspired many young Kenyans.

Her victories not only brought pride to the country but also proved that women were becoming increasingly important in areas normally thought of as men's domains.

The current president, William Ruto, and his vice, Rigathi Gachagua, both had 8%. Leading during the economic squeeze and regime change has put them in the spotlight, their policies and governance under constant scrutiny by friend and foe alike.

In equal measure, Babu Owino is a loud and controversial political character, matching their percent to represent a younger demographic within the Kenya political discourse.

In contrast, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and political veteran Kalonzo Musyoka commanded 7% and 5%, respectively, to show the influence of Kenya's political elders still holds good, but with declining importance.

Other notable mentions are rising star Morara Kebaso, long-distance running legend Eliud Kipchoge, and key public service figures like Fred Matiang'i and Okiya Omtata, each at around 2-3%.

This leads to the most highly charged canvas of the nation standing at a crossroads, with the traditional political heavyweight elephants coexisting with new, youthful energies.

What will come out in this scenario is that the balance of power and influence is shifting; the future of Kenya will likely be carved out by a mix of seasoned leadership and vibrancy from a coming generation.