CNN International Correspondent, Larry Madowo, has been named among 2021’s Most Influential Young Africans in a report released by Public Relations and Rating firm, Avance Media, in collaboration with Africa Youth Awards.
Madowo has had a career coveted by many journalists, working for top media houses locally, and internationally.
After serving at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), he was appointed as Nairobi correspondent for the Cable News Network international (CNN) based in Washington D.C in May 2021.
At the time, CNN’s Senior Vice President of International Newsgathering, Deborah Rayner, not only described Madowo as a journalist with vast experience but also helped the network in covering the East African region.
“Larry is an experienced journalist whose expertise across politics, business, entertainment, and hard news stories will play into our diverse coverage of East Africa and beyond,” Rayner stated.
Barely three months later, Madowo bagged a huge promotion at the broadcaster after he was elevated to the position of the network’s international correspondent.
During his time at CNN, the former NTV anchor has interviewed several prominent world leaders, including former UK Prime Minister, Gordin Brown and also anchored during the opening of the Dubai Expo 2021.
He made a name for himself at Kenya Television Network (KTN), but cut his teeth at Nation Television (NTV) as an anchor, business editor, and host of The Trend show.
Madowo then moved to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as the Africa Editor, before resigning to pursue studies in the USA.
He later rejoined BBC as an American correspondent and covered the USA elections. In May 2021, he was poached by CNN.
The CNN journalist has twice been named among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine.
Apart from Madowo, nine other Kenyans were listed in the 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2021 report which has 42 men and 48 women from 32 countries in Africa. They are;
East Africa Coordinator for Amplify Girls, Anika Jane Dorothy, who has a lot of experience working with grassroots community environmental organizations which consisted primarily of women and girls.
Environment and climate activist and founder of the Green Generation Initiative, Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti.
Wheels For Life founder and preventive medicine specialist, Jemimah Kariuki.
Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Innovation and Youth Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Nadia Abdalla.
Professional long-distance runner and Olympic gold medalist Peres Jepchirchir, who led a Kenyan one-two finish in the women’s marathon in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Nivishe Foundation founder, Amisa Rashid Kiligah, who has played a significant role in assisting mental health and trauma patients.
Community mobilizer, entrepreneur, research scientist and Shamiri Insitute CEO and Founder, Tom Osborn, who is committed to providing evidence-based mental health care to young people across Sub-Saharan Africa and especially Kenya.
2019 Waislitz Global Citizen Award grand prize winner and Mukuru Clean Stoves founder and CEO, Charlot Magayi.
The 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2021, which includes continental stars such as Davido, Burna Boy and Mohammed Salah, celebrates the brightest and most successful young Africans in various fields across the continent.
In 2021, Nigerians dominated the list with 21 people followed by South Africa and Kenya which had 10 individuals each.