Darshan Chandaria voted 2018 Most Influential Young Kenyan

Group CEO and Shareholder of Chandaria Industries, Darshan Chandaria has been voted the 2018 Most Influential Young Kenyan in the 2nd edition of the annual ranking poll led by international PR & rating firm, Avance Media & Jagari Designs.

Darshan Chandaria who was nominated in the Business category for his exploits in the world of business in Kenya & East Africa got this prestigious endorsement after beating competition from other deserving 99 influential young Kenyans from other sectors to cling the reputable title among young Kenyans.

The multiple award-winning entrepreneur, Darshan Chandaria leads the largest privately owned business group in East & Central Africa which deals in Tissue, Paper, Hygiene Products, Real Estate, and Venture Capitalism. He is an alumnus of the Cardiff University and Harvard Business School.

The ranking which was launched in 2016 was won by Comedian & TV Personality Dan Churchill Ndambuki voted as the 2016 Most Influential Young Kenyan.

Following keenly in the ranking are: Comedian, Njugush, Footballer, Victor Wanyama, CEO of TALA, Rose Wanjiku Muturi and Youth Advocate, Raphael Obonyo who were voted among the top 5 most influential young Kenyans.

East Africa Managing Director of TALA, Rose Wanjiku Muturi who got the 4th position also got the nod as the 2018 Most Influential Young Kenyan woman during the poll.

Sharing insights about this year’s polls, Prince Akpah, MD of Avance Media mentioned; the ranking was instituted to highlight the works of young Kenyans who are contributing in diverse ways towards the advancement of development in Kenya and across Africa.

CEO of Jagari Designs, Janerose Gatobu, mentioned that in honour of the victims of the recent Riverside Attack, the list decided to honour them with the 100th position on the list to reflect the sacrifices they made for the country.

Avance Media also runs same initiative in Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, DR Congo, Ghana & Cameroon in partnership with various organisations and is expected to release a global ranking in 2019.

Below are winners in the various categories:

1. Business – Darshan Chandaria, Chandaria Industries

2. Entertainment – Njugush, Comedian

3. Law & Governance – Scheaffer Okore, Ukweli Party

4. Leadership & Civil Society – Raphael Obonyo, Youth Advocate

5. Lifestyle – Natalie Wanjiru Tewa, Vlogger

6. Media – Larry Madowo, BBC Africa

7. Personal Development & Academia – Ruth Ambogo, Young Kenyan Women Leaders

8. Science & Technology – Thogori Karago, LinkedIn ProFinder

9. Social Enterprise & Philanthropy – Ruth Jepchumba Kilimo, Marakwet Girls Foundation

10. Sports – Victor Wanyama, Footballer

Below is the list of Avance Media’s 2018 100 Most Influential Young Kenyans

1. Darshan Chandaria - Chandaria Industries

2. Njugush - Comedian

3. Victor Wanyama - Footballer

4. Rose Wanjiku Muturi - TALA

5. Raphael Obonyo - Youth Advocate

6. Larry Madowo - BBC Africa

7. Ruth Ambogo - Young Kenyan Women Leaders

8. Natalie Wanjiru Tewa - Vlogger

9. David Rudisha - Athlete

10. Betty Kyallo - K24 TV

11. Scheaffer Okore - Ukweli Party

12. Steve Mbogo - Politician

13. Sharon Mundia - Blogger

14. Ruth Jepchumba Kilimo - Marakwet Girls Foundation

15. Thogori Karago - LinkedIn ProFinder

16. Seth Gor - Comedian

17. Wawira Njiru - Food4Education

18. Elizabeth Ntonjira - IBM

19. Nyashinski - Musician

20. Amina Rabar - Capital FM

21. Enos Olik - Video Director

22. Nice Nailantei Leng'ete - Amref Health Africa

23. Victoria Nkatha Mutai - Motivational Speaker

24. David Kyalo - Koncepts & Events Ltd

25. Trushar Khetia - Tria Group of Companies

26. Naomi Kasi Mue - General Legal Counsel (Adrian Group)

27. George Kimani - Comedian

28. Amy Wanday - African Sports Network

29. Xtian Dela - Blogger

30. Hilda Moraa - Pezesha

31. McDonald Mariga - Footballer

32. Elizabeth Mang'eni - Ministry of Trade

33. Linet Masai - Athlete

34. Peris Bosire - Farmdrive

35. Rita Kimani - Farmdrive

36. King Kaka - Musician

37. Nerima Wako-Ojiwa - Siasia Place

38. Ng'ania Mellissa - Lawyer

39. Natalie Robi - Werema - Msichana Empowerment Kuria

40. Patricia Kihoro - OAP

41. Timothy Otieno - KTN

42. Mike Muthiga - Fat Boy Animations

43. Sam Gikandi - Africa's Talking

44. Beatrice Ndungu - Motivational Speaker

45. Stephen Sang - Governor

46. Audrey Mbugua - Activist

47. Wilkins Fadhili - Brand Lab Afrika and Man Behind Brands

48. Shirlene Nafula - Crystal River Products

49. Sandra Ochola - Tukuka

50. Danson Muchemi - JamboPay

51. Winnie Asiti - Activist

52. Charles Kanyi - MP

53. Yvonne Mburu - Nexakili

54. Mumbi Ndungu - Ibua Africa

55. DJ Mo - OAP

56. Aaron Cheruiyot - Senator

57. Bonnie Kim - Motivational Speaker

58. Makena Onjerika - Writer

59. Brian Mbunde - Brand Influencer

60. Douglas Mwangi - Oasis Mathare

61. Olivia Muiru - B Lab

62. Ruth Mwanzia - Koola Waters

63. Linda Kamau - AkiraChix

64. Joey Muthengi - OAP

65. Khaligraph Jones - Musician

66. Natalie Sonia Mukundane - African Youth Commission

67. John Paul Mwirigi - MP

68. Fena Gitu - Musician

69. Meshack Omega Omido - Public Servant

70. Lucia Musau - Blogger

71. Adam Maina - Social Media Influencer

72. Huston Malande - Skyline Design

73. Abraham Mbuthia - Uza Point

74. Mercy Chebeni - Senator

75. Mwalimu Rachel - OAP

76. Leanne Peris N Kimani - Diner En Blanc Nairobi

77. Leroy Mwasaru - Greenpact

78. Victor Matara - Blogger

79. Antony Nkuubi - Governance Pillar Organization

80. Anne Kiguta - OAP

81. Leonida Mutuku - Intelipro

82. Martin Kiarie - BEAN Interactive

83. Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor - Athlete

84. Brenda Wairimu - Actress

85. Silvia Njoki

86. Jeff Israel Nthiwa - Destiny Life Coaching

87. Ekai Nabenyo - Center for Community Development

88. Elijah Motonei Manangoi - Athlete

89. Margaret Wambui - Athlete

90. Grace Sundukwa - y Assembly Member

91. Paul Kihiko - Wing It Nairobi

92. Dysmus Kisilu - Solar Freeze

93. June Syowia - Beiless Group

94. Octopizzo - Musician

95. Silas Kiplagat - Athlete

96. Davidson Ngibuini - OAP

97. Raymond Karago - Actor

98. Bedan Karoki Muchiri - Athlete

99. Rajiv Mehta - Tangerine Investments

100. Victims of Riverside Attack



The 2018 100 Most Influential Young Kenyans ranking was conducted by Avance Media & Jagari Designs in partnership with Blue Blazer International, VIPI State, COSDEF Group, 1000 African Voices, CliqAfrica, WatsUp TV, & MyNaijaNaira.com