Nine Kenyans have been named among the 100 Most Reputable Africans for 2026, recognised for their ethical leadership, innovation and measurable contributions to society.
The annual list, produced by the Global Reputation Forum in partnership with Reputation Poll International, honours leaders whose integrity, credibility and demonstrable impact have strengthened Africa’s standing on the global stage.
Honourees are selected based on integrity, public trust, sustained excellence and measurable impact. According to Reputation Poll International, the nomination process is rigorous, transparent and evidence-driven, ensuring that those featured genuinely reflect Africa’s highest standards of leadership.
Kenya’s Attorney General, Dorcas Agik Oduor, has been recognised in the leadership, governance and public trust category for her decades of service in public prosecution and state legal affairs.
Deep commitment to rule of law
“Her career is defined by a deep commitment to the rule of law, constitutionalism and institutional integrity,” the recognition notes.
Before she was appointed Attorney General, Oduor served in senior roles within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she helped shape prosecutorial standards and strengthen Kenya’s justice system.
Justice Phoebe Okowa, elected in November 2025 as a judge of the International Court of Justice, is also listed under leadership and governance. A professor of international law at Queen Mary University of London, Okowa has served on the UN International Law Commission and is widely respected for her expertise in public international law.
“Her reputation reflects high-level professional trust, credibility in multilateral legal circles, and a record of advising on complex issues such as state responsibility and accountability in international law,” the report states.
Wealth creation
In the enterprise, wealth creation and economic transformation category, Kenyan entrepreneur Bharat Rach A. Tribhovandas has been recognised for his work in the wellness sector.
Reputation Poll International notes that Tribhovandas, founder of Healthy U — the largest chain of health food and wellness outlets in Kenya and Uganda — “played a central role in expanding access to quality nutrition, preventive healthcare products and lifestyle wellness solutions across East Africa.”
The report adds that his work has shaped consumer awareness around healthy living and positioned Healthy U as a trusted brand in the region’s rapidly growing wellness market.
Under the media and narrative leadership category, award-winning journalist Wahiga Mwaura was recognised for his work with Citizen TV.
Ethical journalism
Known for ethical journalism and clarity of storytelling, the report states that Mwaura “has played a significant role in strengthening credible journalism and informed public discourse, while amplifying African stories around governance, accountability, development and social change.”
Legal expert Peter Manyonge Wanyama was also recognised for his extensive contributions to policy review, legislative development, legal audits, statutory risk assessments and devolution litigation.
“He has drafted 32 legislative statutes for government ministries and agencies and facilitated over 185 strategic seminars on topics ranging from devolution and land law to energy policy,” reads the report.
Wanyama was further commended for providing training to institutions, including the State University of New York (SUNY-Kenya), leading law firms such as Anjarwalla & Khanna Advocates, and professional bodies, including the Law Society of Kenya and Moi University.
Education and innovation
In the knowledge, education and innovation category, Dr Anne Makena, co-director of the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) at the University of Oxford, was honoured for her work in building Africa-focused research collaboration.
AfOx supports graduate scholarships, research mobility and innovation platforms that expand opportunities for African scholars and entrepreneurs. Makena holds a DPhil in Chemical Biology from Oxford and an Executive MBA from Saïd Business School. Her leadership has also been recognised through her election as an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College, Oxford.
Under humanity and social impact, Kenyan entrepreneur Hassan Baraka, founder and CEO of Swahili Beach Resort in Diani, was recognised for mentoring young entrepreneurs and advancing African-owned enterprise.
Business and commercial law
Princess Caroline N. Mutisya, managing partner at CR Advocates LLP, was lauded for her expertise in business and commercial law, property law, transport law and cross-border transactions.
“Mutisya is recognised for her client-centred approach, combining flexibility, empathy and strategic insight to simplify complex legal processes while providing personalised solutions,” the report notes.
Diplomat Moni Manyange was also featured for his role in strengthening Kenya’s international engagements, including supporting diaspora initiatives such as the launch of Pamoja Canada Diaspora Sacco and fostering business coordination in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
His career reflects “diplomatic representation, community empowerment and international cooperation.”
The 100 Most Reputable Africans list is designed as a benchmark of trust and integrity rather than a popularity ranking. Nominees are evaluated on integrity, ethical conduct, impact, public trust, leadership and consistency over time.
According to the organisers, “reputation is built, protected and sustained by what one consistently stands for, especially when no one is watching.”
The 2026 list spans governance, enterprise, culture, science, media and civil society, highlighting African leaders whose lives, leadership and legacies consistently demonstrate credibility, ethical conduct and measurable impact.