Larry Madowo (born 14 July 1987 in Siaya County, Kenya) is a highly respected international journalist, news anchor, writer, and correspondent known for his insightful reporting across business, politics, technology, and culture. He currently serves as an International Correspondent for CNN International, based in Nairobi, and hosts the network’s acclaimed African Voices Changemakers and Playmakers series, showcasing influential figures shaping Africa’s present and future.
Early Life and Education
Larry was born in Barding village, Siaya County. He faced significant challenges early in life, losing his father at age seven and later becoming an orphan after his mother passed away when he was still young. He grew up with his sister, Liz Madowo, who is now a stylist and fashion blogger.
He attended Usingo and Karapul Primary Schools and later Saint Gabriel’s Seminary in Kisumu, where he initially trained with aspirations of becoming a Catholic priest. However, his passion shifted toward storytelling and journalism.
In 2006, Larry enrolled at Daystar University in Nairobi to study Communication. Due to financial constraints, he briefly dropped out but later returned and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2014.
In 2019, he was selected as a Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economics and Business Journalism at Columbia University in New York, where he earned a Master’s in Business and Economics Journalism in 2020. His master’s thesis, focused on Africa’s e-commerce pioneer Jumia, won the Philip Greer Scholarship Award for Financial Writing.
Read Also: Olive Kalekye Burrows Biography: Family, Husband, Age, Tribe, Lifestyle, and Net Worth
Journalism Career
Early Career in Kenya
Larry’s journalism journey began humbly. After a brief stint selling tea and mandazi to support himself, he interned at Bahasha FM in 2007 before joining Kenya Television Network (KTN) as a trainee reporter. At KTN, he helped launch and anchor the country’s first daytime business news programs, KTN Financial Markets Live and KTN Business Today, and pioneered the station’s social media presence.
He later joined NTV Kenya as a business anchor and reporter, hosting shows including PM Live and Money Matters, and was known for engaging coverage of major national events.
In May 2012, Larry moved to CNBC Africa in Johannesburg, where he anchored daily market shows like Open Exchange, Power Lunch, and Closing Bell. He returned to NTV later in 2012 as Technology Editor and anchor, and also hosted the popular youth culture show #TheTrend and the panel-based NTV Sidebar.
International Journalism
Larry’s international profile grew as he freelanced for major global outlets including CNN International, France 24, BBC, and Public Radio International. He wrote a weekly column titled #FrontRow for the Daily Nation and later contributed to the Washington Post’s Global Opinions page.
In 2018, he joined BBC News Africa as Africa Business Editor, leading a team across multiple countries. After completing his fellowship at Columbia University, he served as the North America Correspondent for the BBC in Washington, D.C., where he covered landmark events including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, and protests following the death of George Floyd.
CNN International
In May 2021, Larry joined CNN International as a Nairobi-based correspondent. He was soon promoted to International Correspondent, delivering in-depth reporting on politics, business, culture, and human stories across Africa and beyond. At CNN, he also presents flagship programs and continues to elevate African voices on global stages.
Advocacy and Impact
Larry is a vocal advocate for press freedom and ethical journalism. His outspokenness on these issues, including criticism of media restrictions in Kenya, has highlighted the challenges journalists face in Africa.
He is also active on social media, with a combined following of millions, and frequently speaks at major global forums on media, technology, and business.
Awards and Recognition
Larry’s contributions have earned wide recognition:
- Named among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine.
- Designated a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2020.
- Awarded the Philip Greer Scholarship Award for financial journalism at Columbia University.
- His documentary work has won international media accolades, including at the Association of International Broadcasting Awards.
Personal Life
Larry speaks Swahili, English, Luo, and conversational French, and remains deeply connected to his Kenyan roots while engaging global audiences through his journalism.
Marital Status of Larry Madowo
As of 2026, Larry Madowo is not married and has no publicly confirmed spouse or children. He is known to keep his romantic and personal life relatively private, which has led to ongoing public curiosity about his relationship status.
In recent years, Larry has frequently been seen in public and on social media with fellow Kenyan journalist Edith Kimani, a correspondent for DW News. Their interactions—ranging from shared photos and affectionate captions to joint appearances at events—have sparked widespread speculation about a potential romantic relationship. On 14 July 2024, Kimani publicly acknowledged their relationship in a heartfelt birthday post for Larry, describing their bond in personal terms, which many interpreted as confirmation of a romantic partnership.
Despite this public acknowledgment, neither Larry nor Edith has formally discussed plans for marriage. Fans and followers continue to speculate and encourage the couple toward that milestone, but no official announcement has been made regarding an engagement or wedding.
In interviews and social humor, Larry has also playfully addressed questions about whether he is single or married, reinforcing that his personal life remains mostly private while he focuses on his career as an international journalist.
Never Miss a Story: Join Our Newsletter
