Ruto and CJ Koome Triumph in African Leadership Magazine Awards

President William Ruto and Chief Justice Martha Koome have been chosen as the recipients of the prestigious African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year 2023 Awards.

President Ruto and Afreximbank President Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah have been recognized as joint recipients of the prestigious African of the Year prize. In a similar vein, CJ Koome has been acknowledged as a joint honoree of the African Female Leader award, sharing this accolade with Naseem Lahri, the Managing Director of Lucara Diamond in Botswana.

The ALM Persons of the Year Awards hold great esteem in Africa as they recognize exceptional individuals who contribute to the advancement of the continent and defy its unfavourable portrayal. The selection process consists of two phases, enabling Africans from across the globe to join in honouring the leaders who are propelling Africa's progress and prosperity. The distinguished ceremony, where the winners and finalists will be officially acknowledged, will take place on February 22, 2024, at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, located within the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

CJ Koome was selected for the prestigious African Female Leader of the Year Award based on nominations from a diverse range of readers and followers. The call for nominations was widely spread throughout Africa by the media partners of the African Leadership Magazine. The exceptional achievements of Africa's leaders often go unnoticed by the international media. The African Leadership Magazine has established the African Female Leader of the Year Award to recognize and celebrate African women who have triumphed over the obstacles presented by patriarchal systems in the continent. These women have made a significant difference and serve as a source of inspiration for other women to pursue excellence in their own fields.

Koome's nomination was alongside other distinguished individuals, including Benin's Vice President Mariam Chabi Talata, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, Standard Bank Group Chairman Nonkululeko Nyembezi from South Africa, and Lucara Diamonds Managing Director Naseem Lahri from Botswana. ALM encouraged people to visit their website and participate in the voting process. Voting concluded on December 14, 2023, at midnight (Central Africa Time).