Msafiri, a magazine by Kenya Airways, in their June-July 2023 edition, named the top 10 Inspiring and Successful people to follow on social media. The 10 were recognized for believing in the power of positivity in the things they do, encouraging others to keep trying no matter the challenges.
The 10, as documented by Msafiri Magazine, are:
Dr. James Mwangi
Mwangi is the managing director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Equity Group. He is among the most influential people in Africa. He believes that success cannot happen overnight and that to achieve great things in life, one must consistently work for it.
”I realized that there is no wealth without work! Entrepreneurship means folding up your sleeves and working. Profit is the reward.”
Larry Madowo
He is an International correspondent and host of African Voices Changemakers at CNN. Msafiri magazine notes that since joining the network in 2021, Madowo has covered some of the biggest stories from around the globe and brought in a unique perspective from his region, delivering insight into the political, economic, and cultural influences of the African continent to CNN’s global audience.
“My job is to cover Africa accurately, not positively. Many people conflate two ideas about Africa because the continent has been reported on poorly in the Western press for long.”
”I make sure that every story I do portrays us as three-dimensional human beings. We are more than just disease, drought, and war. We have accomplishments, art, beauty, joy, and innovation. My reporting should reflect that.”
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Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka
She is the Founder and CEO of an award-winning NGO and non-profit founded in 2003 called Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) that set up one of the first One Health field programs in the world to protect endangered gorillas and other wildlife.
Gladys facilitates institutional change and the creation of new resources dedicated to the control of zoonotic transmission of diseases through linkages between the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
“We share 98.4% DNA with gorillas. If we are not successful in conserving [them], it would be devastating for the plane and future generations,” she says. “It takes dedication, passion, and sacrifice. But I believe there is no greater satisfaction than knowing that you have played a part in conserving a species, a habitat, or contributed to a healthier planet for all.”
She hopes to inspire women to have careers in conservation, a largely male-dominated field.
Jonathan and Angela Scott
The two are award-winning wildlife photographers and authors. According to Msafiri Magazine, they have made their name documenting the lives of lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, recording every aspect of their existence in their drawings, photographs, and wildlife television programs since 1977.
“Raising awareness about charismatic species catches people’s attention. But if these creatures have nowhere to live, they can’t survive. If we protect the habitat, they will prosper,” says Angela.
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Nikita Kering
She is among the fastest-rising stars in the African music industry. Music has always been a part of her since she was a small child, and she cannot think about existing without it.
She won two awards at the All-Africa Music Awards AFRIMA Music Awards in Nigeria: Best Female Artist in East Africa and Best Artist (African R&B).
“Music is simply a continuation and a repetition of a pattern. I think we have patterns in our life. How we speak, how we enunciate, and place our syllables, that’s rhythm. Even our heartbeat follows a rhythm. We have music one way or the other,” she says.
Maina Kageni
The region’s ‘King of Radio’ has chosen to support a vigorous campaign to promote local tourism as the brand ambassador for the Tembea Tujenge Kenya initiative.
“We need East Africans to see the rich heritage. We have such beautiful places in the region, and we are trying to whet their appetite to travel and see what their own region offers,” says Maina
Eliud Kipchoge
Kipchoge is a greatest marathoner of all time. His level of motivation, mental and physical discipline, and consistency is unrivaled. Known for his ‘no human is limited’ guiding principle, Kipchoge says the mind can create roadblocks if people don’t believe in themselves.
“Not knowing where we are, where we are going, and what we want in life can mean losing the trust within ourselves, or that we can do it,” says Kipchoge.
He recommends these simple steps to prevent mental limitations: “Have self-belief. Avoid complaining. Be satisfied and provide instant solutions. Learn to say no. Above all, rule your mind; otherwise, it will rule you.”
Ian Craig, Executive Director · Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Ian Craig comes from a family stock that loves conservation. Having seen the massacre of rhinos and elephants, he converted the 62,000-acre working cattle ranch in Lewa into a wildlife conservancy.
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Today, Ian serves within the Northern Rangelands Trust, an organization that manages conservation in semi-arid northern Kenya. The Conservancy has grown to become a world-renowned catalyst and model for conservation that protects endangered species and promotes the development of neighboring communities.
“I continue to do this for the love of the people,” says Ian. “When people see the connection between wildlife conservation and their livelihoods, they will support our efforts.”
Bienaime Baraza
Bien Baraza and his Sauti Soul crew entertained President Barack Obama during his visit to Kenya in 2015. At six years of age, Baraza remembers telling his siblings that he wanted to be a singer.
”Music dictates the person you are in life. My friends who wear dreadlocks can credit that look to reggae music. Artists should speak light and life into the world. Music is a coping mechanism for maneuvering life. It’s a companion. What you listen to impacts the quality of your thoughts hence your life.”
Daniel ‘Churchill’ Ndambuki
Daniel Ndambuki is perhaps the most popular comedian in East and Central Africa who has mentored scores of talented youths that have gone ahead to establish themselves in the creative world.
“The industry should not find itself at a place where it stagnates because there is nobody to move it forward. Birthing new talents preserves the industry,” he says. “To get the best out of the industry, we have the obligation to keep churning out new comedians and give them the platform to express their talents.”