Ijara MP Sophia Noor. She has been listed among 100 influential Africans. Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Ijara MP Sophia Noor has been listed among 100 most influential Africans of 2017 by the New African magazine.
During the August 8 General Elections, Ms. Noor made history as the first ever elected female Member of Parliament from North Eastern.
Ms. Noor is a founder member of ‘Womankind Kenya's group that champions for girls education and women issues in the region.
She has dedicated her life to championing for the rights of women in the northern region of Kenya and has led an aggressive campaign against retrogressive cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilations.
Other Kenyans who were named to be among 100 most influential Africans are Chief Justice David Maraga, Centum CEO James Mworia and Lawyer PLO Lumumba.
The magazine has also honoured Med in Africa founder Yvonne Mburu, Arimus Media Limited CEO Julie Gichuru, Nutritionist Ruth Oniang’o and athletes Faith Kipyegon and Helen Obiri.
Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and President Alpha Conde of Guinea are the only three heads of state in this year’s list.
Nigeria tops the nominations, closely followed by South Africa which scored 14 names. The list features entries from 31 countries, 12 of which come from Francophone Africa.
New African Magazine annual 100 Most Influential Africans samples individuals from all sectors including business, politics, music, sports, and other industries.
“What our readers will find pleasing, is the almost bewildering diversity of this list – in terms of race, ethnic and national diversity. This list, if nothing else, displays the beauty and power of the diversity that makes the Africa we all love,” says Omar Ben Yedder – Group Publisher and Managing Director of IC Publications.