NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan software developer Rose Njeri has been named among the world’s most influential rising changemakers in the 2025 TIME100 Next list, under the Advocates category.
The 35-year-old gained global recognition in June after she developed a digital platform to crowdsource public views on the controversial Finance Bill 2025.
The tool, which she unveiled on X, allowed Kenyans to directly submit feedback—an initiative that authorities later claimed disrupted parliamentary email systems.
Her arrest under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, followed by her release when the charges were dismissed in court, thrust her into the global spotlight.
Civil society groups said her case underscored a growing clampdown on civic tech and online activism in Kenya.
“Authorities want to ignore us like we are not part of the process as citizens. We shouldn’t just sit back and watch,” Njeri told TIME.
On X, she expressed gratitude for her recognition, dedicating it to those who stood by her during her confrontation with the State.
“This recognition is not just mine but belongs to everyone who has walked this journey with me, challenged me, and inspired me to keep going,” she wrote.
I’m incredibly honored and excited to share that I’ve been named in the 2025 #TIME100NEXT list!This recognition is not just mine but belongs to everyone who has walked this journey with me, challenged me, and inspired me to keep going.See the full list here:
The TIME100 Next list, now in its fifth year, celebrates 100 emerging leaders across fields including politics, science, health, sports, entertainment, business, and activism.
It highlights individuals shaping the future rather than those already in established positions of power.
Other honorees in the 2025 edition include Nigerian afrobeat star Rema, British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris, Spanish football prodigy Lamine Yamal, and American tennis player Taylor Fritz.
For Njeri, the honor marks not just personal recognition, but also validation for Kenya’s vibrant civic tech movement.
