A staggering 90% of younger generations admit that influencers impact their choices, as uncovered in a study by The Media Innovation Centre at Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) that interviewed over 1201 respondents nationwide.
Surveying a demographic primarily comprised of millennials (ages 25 to 35) and Generation Z (ages 18 to 24), residing in urban locales, the study illuminates the profound sway influencers hold over these younger cohorts of decision-makers.
Ms. Clare Mogere, the Interim Director of MiC, articulated that the study aims to furnish media outlets in Kenya with the insights necessary to craft content that resonates deeply with this critical audience segment.
Through understanding the preferences and behaviours of these younger generations, media organizations are poised to better engage and serve the evolving landscape of content consumption.
A topic for another day, today we want to focus on the top 20 social media influencers making a name for themselves in the Kenyan digital marketing space.
The Top 20 Social Media Influencers in Kenya in 2024
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Erick Omondi
- Tanasha Donna
- Size 8
- Churchill
- Diana Bahati
- Betty Kyallo
- Vera Sidika
- Mc Jessy
- Amber Ray
- Nadia Mukami
- Dennis Ombachi
- Njugush
- Eliud Kipchoge
- Kate Actress
- Crazy Kenna
- Azziad Nasenya
- Mammito Eunice
- Vinnie Chipukeezy
- Larry Madowo
Lupita Nyong’o
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/lupitanyongo
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/LupitaNyongo
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lupitanyongo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lupita_nyongo
Website: https://sulwebylupita.com/
| TikTok | YouTube | |||
| 11.1M Followers | 3.7M Followers | 3.1M Followers | 24.1K Subscribers | 1.9M Followers |
Lupita Nyong’o’s journey to stardom is both inspiring and remarkable. Born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents, with her father, Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, serving as a lecturer, Lupita’s multicultural upbringing began early. Raised in Kenya from age three, she later took to the United States for higher education.
There, she earned a bachelor’s degree in film and theatre from Hampshire College. Lupita’s entry into the film industry started behind the scenes as a production assistant, but her talent soon propelled her into the limelight. Her acting debut came with the short film “East River,” and not long after, she returned to Kenya, starring in the television series “Shuga.”
Hunger for further mastery in her craft led her to pursue a master’s at Yale School of Drama. Her critically acclaimed role as Patsey in “12 Years a Slave” quickly followed, earning her an Oscar. Her rise exemplifies the significance of dedication and the impact of quality on success—a parallel notably relevant in the sphere of digital content creation.
Erick Omondi
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/ericomondi/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044317755329
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eric.omondi
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericomondi_?lang=en
Email: eroomondi@gmail.come
Call: 0718891427 /0705735516
| YouTube | |||
| 4.3M Followers | 2.5M Followers | 564K Subscribers | 94.1K Followers |
Erick Omondi is widely recognized as a leading figure in Kenyan comedy. A household name since his debut on the prestigious “Churchill Show” in 2008, Omondi has gone on to garner critical acclaim across the continent.
With a trio of victories at the African Entertainment Awards USA, clinching ‘Best Comedian’ consecutively in 2018, 2019, and 2020, his talent is undeniable. But beyond the stage, Omondi has leveraged his social media presence to engage with fans and promote meaningful causes.
With over 4 million followers on Instagram, he uses his platform to raise awareness on societal issues, including mental health stigma and gender equality. His influence extends beyond comedy, making him one of Kenya’s top social media influencers.
Tanasha Donna
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/tanashadonna
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TanashaDonnae
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanashadonna
Website: nakata.agency
Booking: tanashadonnabiz@gmail.com OR Tanashadonna@nakata.agency
| YouTube | |||
| 4.1M Followers | 135K Followers | 313K Subscribers | 28.3K Followers |
Tanasha Donna’s story is one marked by a blend of cultures and a dedication to her passions. Born to a Kenyan mother and an Italian father, Donna spent her early years in Kenya. At the age of 11, her family relocated to Belgium, where she developed a keen interest in the worlds of fashion, music, and modeling.
Eventually, Donna returned to her Kenyan roots, where she competed in Miss World Kenya and later became a well-known radio presenter with NRG Radio. However, her devotion to music and new responsibilities as a mother led her to leave the radio scene. In 2022, Donna expanded her artistic repertoire, making her debut as an actress in the film ‘Symphony,’ which premiered on September 9th, 2022.
Diana Bahati
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diana_marua/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/p/Diana-Bahati-100063927030927/?_rdc=1&_rdr
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Diana_Bahati
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0UslOx9EYxnk_4SFSHj8hA
| YouTube | |||
| 2.7M Followers | 1.2M Followers | 1.01M Subscribers | 77.9K Followers |
Diana Bahati emerged on the Kenyan music scene with dynamism and flair, quickly becoming known for her rapping prowess. Her personal life, including her marriage to celebrated gospel artist Bahati, has captivated fans, adding to her multifaceted persona as a performer.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Diana is deeply committed to her roles as a mother and partner, painting a portrait of a woman who skillfully blends her career and family life. Her unique journey is not merely a narrative but a testament to the compelling power of authentic content.
Size8
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Size8Reborn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/size8reborn/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Size8Reborn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/size8reborn?lang=en
| YouTube | |||
| 2.8M Followers | 1.3M Followers | 282K Subscribers | 138K Followers |
Size 8, born Linet Munyali on August 4, 1987, has carved out a notable presence in the Kenyan entertainment industry as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Transitioning from secular music, where she made waves with hits like “Shamba Boy” and “Moto”, Size 8 embraced gospel music and captivated audiences with her debut spiritual track “Mateke” in 2013.
She also graced the screen with a role in the legal comedy series “Mashtaka,” showcasing her versatility as a performer. It’s clear that Size 8’s artistic evolution exemplifies the enriching influence of adaptable and dynamic content, which is vital for connecting with diverse audiences and sustaining relevance in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Betty Kyallo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettymuteikyallo/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/OfficialBettyMuteiKyallo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bettymkyallo?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bettymuteikyallo
| YouTube | |||
| 3.3M Followers | 1.5M Followers | 143K Subscribers | 1.2M Followers |
Betty Kyallo’s story begins in the humble precincts of Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, where she entered the world on March 15, 1989. Nestled within a nurturing family, she grew up as the second of four siblings, with two sisters, Mercy and Gloria, and a brother, Brian, by her side. Her parents, Julia Ngii and Wilfred Kyallo, parted ways but remained united in their support through her life’s pivotal moments.
A seedling of potential, Betty’s scholastic journey unfolded at Olerai and Uhuru Gardens Primary Schools, before blossoming at Kangundo Girls High School. The pursuit of knowledge beckoned, leading her to the hallowed halls of Daystar University, where she emerged with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.
Vera Sidika
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queenveebosset
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@veesbeiby465
Email: veesbeiby465@gmail.com
Phone Number: 0708 259391
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/VeraSidika25/
| YouTube | TikTok | ||
| 2.6M Followers | 1.3M Followers | 129K Subscribers | 120.2K Followers |
Vera Sidika, born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, is a perfect example of the power of rebranding in the digital age. Starting as a video vixen, she gained popularity for her curvaceous figure and bold personality. However, after undergoing a series of skin-lightening procedures, she faced backlash and criticism from her fans.
Rather than shy away from the negativity, Vera used it as an opportunity to rebrand herself and build a new image for herself. She shifted her focus to entrepreneurship, launching her own beauty parlor and skincare line.
Through strategic use of social media, she has successfully transformed her brand into a business empire, with millions of followers and clients around the world.
Vera’s story showcases the importance of adapting to change and using digital platforms effectively to reinvent oneself and stay relevant in an ever-evolving market. It also highlights the power of personal branding and building a loyal following through engaging content.
Daniel Ndambuki
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwalimchurchill/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ChurchillTVKenya/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mwalimchurchill
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mwalimchurchill?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YG5UA1s2gLb5tDfUCIWtg
| YouTube | TikTok | ||
| 2.8M Followers | 895K Followers | 2.27M Subscribers | 251K Followers |
Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Churchill, has been a prominent figure in Kenya’s comedy scene for nearly two decades. With his sharp wit and relatable humor, he became a household name and brought laughter to millions of Kenyans through his TV show “Churchill Live” and numerous comedy performances.
However, Churchill’s success did not happen overnight. He had to continuously evolve and adapt his content to stay relevant in a competitive market. His versatility as an actor, radio host, and event MC added depth to his brand, keeping audiences engaged and entertained. Churchill also used social media effectively to reach a wider audience and interact with fans, further solidifying his presence in the digital space.
Through consistent innovation and dedication to his craft, Churchill has become a trailblazer in Kenya’s comedy industry. His journey exemplifies the importance of constantly reinventing oneself and staying true to one’s unique brand, while also utilizing digital platforms for broader reach and impact. As he continues to make audiences laugh, Churchill remains an inspiration for aspiring comedians.
Amber Ray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_amberay/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_amberay
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kI-9Ar5PABY2_eSw6ZVdw
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/amberraythebrand/
Email: ambersmanager@gmail.com
Phone: 0784 075025
| YouTube | TikTok | ||
| 2.1M Followers | 22K Followers | 54K Subscribers | 356K Followers |
Amber Ray, a renowned Kenyan entrepreneur and fashion icon, balances motherhood with her thriving career. Known for her exceptional taste and opulent social media presence, Ray captivates her audience, consistently drawing attention and admiration with her luxurious lifestyle choices. Her content not only showcases her fashion and beauty expertise but also offers glimpses into her personal life, creating a strong connection with her followers.
Amber Ray’s success is a testament to the power of authenticity in content creation. By staying true to herself and sharing snippets of her life beyond the glitz and glam, she has built a loyal following that trusts and supports her brand. Her journey also highlights the importance of leveraging social media to showcase one’s unique personality and engage with an audience, creating a strong personal brand that stands out in the digital world. As Amber Ray continues to inspire and influence through her content, she exemplifies the impact of authentic and engaging storytelling in building a successful online presence.
MC Jessy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessythemc/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Jessythemc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessythemc
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mc_jessy
Email: Mcjessy001@gmail.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo_fZCklx7g
Phone Number: 0748 266916
| TikTok | |||
| 2.1M Followers | 641K Followers | 172K Subscribers | 94K Followers |
MC Jessy stands out as a recognizable face in Kenyan comedy, widely admired for both his talent and charm. Despite being a public figure, he manages to keep his personal life private, choosing to reveal only portions of it to his fans. This selective approach to sharing content has helped him maintain a level of mystery and intrigue, keeping audiences engaged and wanting more.
But beyond the laughter and entertainment, MC Jessy also uses his platform to shine a light on societal issues. He uses comedy as a tool for social commentary, addressing topics like mental health and poverty in Kenya. This shows the power of using one’s influence and platform for something beyond personal gain.
MC Jessy’s journey reflects the importance of finding a balance between personal and public life when creating content. By maintaining an air of mystery while also using his platform for positive impact, he has created a unique brand that is both entertaining and meaningful.
The Roaming Chef (Dennis Ombachi)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_roamingchef/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theroamingchef
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ombachi13
Dennis Ombachi, known as The Roaming Chef, has taken the Kenyan culinary scene by storm.
| TikTok | ||
| 1.3M Followers | 175.2K Subscribers | 2.3M Followers |
With raw honesty, Dennis Ombachi, the esteemed athlete turned culinary virtuoso, opened up about his battle with mental health post-retirement. Known to many as The Roaming Chef, Ombachi engaged in a heartfelt conversation revealing the unseen struggles behind the glamour of sports. Describing his personal encounter with injury-induced mental health issues, including a bipolar diagnosis in 2018, he admitted the toll it took was more than just physical. “Even before my diagnosis, I’d endure extreme mood swings and bouts of depression, often resorting to isolation and unhealthy coping mechanisms,” he confided.