Celebrating stories of their lives reminds Kenyans of their struggles, endurance, and motivation into their breakthrough, that remain true to our memories and historic moments as a country. These heroes have put our name loud out to the world for all to see.
1. Peter Tabichi Mokaya
Mwalimu Tabichi did us proud. The Mathematics and Physics teacher at Keriko Secondary School in Nakuru County won the KSh 100 million prize in the coveted Global Teacher Award held in Dubai. Being the first African tutor to win such a prestigious award, Mwalimu Tabichi’s history has been made. In an interview, Mr. Tabichi revealed that most of the money will go towards donations in the education sector.
2. Jadudi
Emmanuel Otieno better known as Jadudi became a senstation after Jackson Biko post, “The thing in Jadudi’s head” highlighting his battle with a brain tumor that had made him go under the knife severally saw Kenyans raise Sh 6.4 million in less than two days for Jadudi’s medical bill. Jadudi passed on a cancer warrior.
3. David Rudisha
Two-time Olympic 800 meters champion and world record holder in the 800 metres, David Rudisha towers in athletics. He is a middle-distance runner championing Olympics in 2012 and 2016. Rudisha is our all time Hero.
4. Julius Yego
Watching videos on Youtube on Javelin athletes, Yego grew to become Kenya’s finest track and field athlete who competes in the javelin throw. Nicknamed “Mr. YouTube” Yego is the African record and Commonwealth record holder for the event with a personal best of 92.72 meters.
5. Kenneth Matiba
Mr Matiba was known as the hard-working minister. Being a man of many firsts ambitious no nonsense and hands on manager, Matiba became a permanent secretary while still in his 20s before quitting to join Kenya Breweries. A wise businessman and investor, he built a vast empire in hotel industry and established top-tier schools that attracted the children of the mighty.
6. Ezekiel Kemboi
Retired from track and moving on to marathon, Ezekiel Kemboi winner of the 3000 metres steeplechase at the 2004 Summer Olympics, 2009 World Championships, 2011 World Championships, 2012 Summer Olympics, 2013 World Championships and the 2015 World Championships does hold a special place in our memories.
7. Martin Shikuku
At the age of 28, he was the youngest member of the Kenyan delegation to Lancaster House talks which paved way to the Independence of Kenya. Being a veteran politician, his contributions helped shaped the political sphere in Kenya.
8. Eliud Kipchoge
In Athletcs, Eliud Kipchoge is better known as a long-distance runner who competes the marathon and formerly 5000 metres race. He won the Olympic marathon in 2016 and is the current marathon world record holder with a time of 2 hours 1 minute 39 seconds.
9. Tom Mboya
He wore many hats. Biggest of them a founding father of the Republic of Kenya. Tom Mboya served as a Kenyan trade unionist, Cabinet Minister, educationist, Pan Africanist, author and independence activist.
10. Ngugi wa Thiongo
His works of literature captured the eyes of the world. Ngugi is an award-winning, world-renowned Kenyan writer and academic who writes primarily in Gikuyu. His work includes novels, plays, short stories, and essays, ranging from literary and social criticism to children’s literature. His book The River Between was incorporated in the 844 curriculum under literature.