If someone asked you what you know about Kenya apart from the bountiful wildlife, and marathon runners, what would you say? Have you taken time to learn more about this diversely rich country before booking a flight? Did you know that Kenya is home to some famous people in the world including the first black president of the USA, Barrack Obama? Here is a list of five Kenyan people who have or continue to do great things with their existence.
Louis Leakey
If you are a lover of archaeology, fossils and all things history, then you definitely know who Louis Leakey. He is the one person, together with his wife Mary Leakey, who made the most discoveries about the early man on different parts of Kenya. They discovered skeletons belonging to Homo Erectus, Kenyapithecus, Homo Habilis etc. They also discovered evidence of early man settlements, warfare and cultivation. Louis Leakey, although originally British, made Kenya his home during his career.
Wangari Maathai
‘Take care of Mother Nature and Mother Nature will take care of you.’ These were the words of this rare and forceful heroine. Wangari Maathai set her life aside for the sake of the environment. She would literally spend weeks in the wild trying to fight for trees that the government and other private sectors wanted to cut down for the sake of timber. In fact, if it wasn’t for Wangari Maathai, the biggest park in Nairobi; Uhuru Park; wouldn’t be existent today. She was later awarded a Nobel Peace Prize and was the first African woman to get the award.
Lupita Nyong’o
After the movie 12 Years a Slave, very few people do not know the name Lupita Nyong’o. Although she was born in Mexico City, Lupita Nyong’o was raised in Kenya together with the rest of her siblings. She is best known for her acting prowess and is the first African actress to win an Oscar Award, first Kenyan and Mexican as well. Lupita Nyong’o continues to place Kenya on the Hollywood world map with her roles in movies such as the Black Panther and Starwars.
Edi Gathegi
Born in Nairobi and later immigrated to the United States is another Kenyan actor Edi Gathegi. He is known for his strong roles in favourite TV shows such as StartUp, Blacklist and X-men. Edi Gathegi is a gem waiting to explode from all its greatness.
Victor Wanyama
Away from the screens but still as popular is the famous Victor Wanyama. This football/soccer star started off playing in local village teams with his mates. However, his skills and talents were more than normal or average and soon he started rising up the football ladder. Eventually, he ended up praying the defender position in Tottenham Football Club making him an international player.
Kenya is a breeding ground for talent and greatness. More reason to place it in your travel destination bucket list?
