Top 100 Coastarians 2025: The Full List

MOMBASA – From seasoned politicians and billionaire industrialists to digital disruptors and cultural icons, the Coast region continues to produce some of Kenya’s most dynamic and influential figures. Today, we profile 100 individuals whose leadership, innovation, and voice define the socio-economic, political, and cultural landscape of the Coastal counties.

This list, curated from spheres of governance, business, media, activism, faith, and entertainment, reflects the diverse engines of influence across the region. While not exhaustive, it offers a snapshot of the people driving change, shaping opinion, and building legacy along the Indian Ocean coastline.

The List: 100 Influential Figures

1. Hassan Ali Joho – Former Governor of Mombasa; Current Mining CS
2. Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir – Current Governor of Mombasa; DPL ODM.
3. Amason Jeffah Kingi – Senate Speaker; former Kilifi Governor; key regional leader.
4. Salim Mvurya – Cabinet Secretary for  Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports of Kenya former Kwale Governor.
5. Gideon Mung’aro – Current Governor of Kilifi County.
6. Aharub Khatri – County Gov. Of Mombasa Speaker
7. Suleiman Shahbal – Prominent businessman and perennial gubernatorial contender. (Current EALA MP
8. Omar Hassan Omar – Former Mombasa Senator and SG UDA
9. Ali Mbogo – Former Kisauni MP.
10. Aisha Jumwa – Former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service; fiery former MP.
11. Said Abdalla “Saido” – Politician and Businessman
12. Fahad Twaha – Influential Politician and Businessman
13. Omar Mwinyi – Changamwe MP
14. Mohammed Ali (Jicho Pevu) – Investigative journalist turned Nyali MP.
15. Twahir Mohamed – Founder Mpost Africa.
16. Mohammed Jaffer (Grains Millionaire) – Founder, Jaffer Group; industrial titan.
17. Captain Nyota – Youtuber
18. Anwar Loitiptip 
19. Saeed Balala 
20. Ali Manzu – Media owner and business influencer.
21. Ramesh Patel – Leading industrialist and philanthropist.
22. Awadh Salim (Shirko) – Pioneering music Producer/entrepreneur and promoter.
23. Mahmoud Noor – Founder, Swahilipot Hub; tech ecosystem builder.
24. Sheikh Khalifa – Renowned Islamic scholar and spiritual guide.
25. Ramadhan Bajun – Esteemed Swahili language scholar and historian.
26. Imam Ali Omar – Influential historical Swahili clergyman.
27. Badi Twalib – Jomvu MP
28. Susumila – Popular music artist.
29. Masauti – Award-winning Artist.
30. Dazlah – Popular Musician and performer.
31. Kelechi Africana – Celebrated Afro-fusion singer.
32. Lulu Hassan – Nationally acclaimed Citizen TV news anchor.
33. Amoury Ally – Award-winning Artist
34. Rashid Abdalla – Veteran journalist and Citizen TV Managing Editor.
35. P Day Hurrikane – Influential Artist and media personality.
36. Mohammed Abbas 
37. Hussein Noor – Advocate for social change and community development.
38. Mwanaisha Chidzuga – Media personality and political commentator.
39. Hussein Khalid – Executive Director, Haki Africa (rights organization).
40. Ali Kubo – Politician/ TUM Student Leader/Swahili cultural enthusiast.
41. Mohammed Amadoh – CECM Lands Mombasa
42. Presenter Kai – Social Media Influecer
43. Anita Santuri – Acclaimed music and culture journalist.
44. Beka Ruga – Popular comedian and content creator.
45. Echo 254 – Artist.
46. Ruby Kache – Renowned Presenter/Content Creator.
47. Mama Fathma – Comedian/Skits Maker
48. Gates Mgenge – Popular Radio Presenter
49. Fatma Achani – Governor of Kwale County; first female Coast governor.
50. Said Twaha – Veteran politician
51. Fikirini Jacobs – PS Sports and Youth Affairs
52. Nyota Ndogo – Legendary Swahili singer.
53. Producer Totti – Hit-making music producer.
54. Vj Chris – Popular video jockey and TV host.
55. Saad Faraj – Respected businessman and philanthropist.
56. Hon Mbarak Bashatir – Politician and Businessman
57. Athman Babaz – Music Mogul
58. Pastor Lai – Founder, Mombasa Pentecostal Church (MPC).
59. Hon. Owen Baya – Deputy Majority Leader, National Assembly; Kilifi North MP.
60. Mishi Mboko – Likoni MP and former Mombasa Senator.
61. Danson Mungatana – Senator Tana River
62. Evans Were – Music Mogul
63. George Kithi – City Lawyer/ Politician
64. Kidis The Jembe – Popular Music Artist
65. Tee Hits – Music producer
66. Jay Crack – Producer
67. Happy C – Popular Artist
68. Daudi Anguka – Businessman and community leader and Film Maker
69. Ally Mahaba – Popular Artist
70. Kaa La Moto – Hip Hop Artist
71. Levy The Don – Influencer
72. Frankie Dee – Popular Dancehall artist
73. Iddi Singer – Popular Artist
74. EMKAY 64 – Artist
75. Tizzo Presenter – Youtuber
76. Yuge Bwize – Popular radio presenter.
77. Magwaya Ndani – Influential digital content creator.
78. Mtaliban Halisi – Upcoming Artist.
79. K.O – Artist.
80. Steve Kipande – Media personality/ Producer
81. Cvilizer Amran – Director Speaker’s office (Mombasa County)
82. Hon Jactone Madialo – MCA Mikindani Ward, Political figure.
83. Hamisi Mwaguya – Chairman Kenya Business Registration Board
84. Hon Allen Katana (1GB) – MCA Shanzu
85. Juristus Inanga – Social media influencer and commentator.
86. Ken 1GB – Radio Presenter.
87. Lemmy Lito – Popular radio presenter.
88. MC coy Ali – Political Blogger
89. Teddy Mwanamgambo – Radio presenter.
90. Sister Shaniz – Radio Presenter
91. Babji Shell – Comedian and content creator.
92. Madundo Brown – Comedian and content creator.
93. Dogo Richie – Popular artist.
94. Chikuzee – Popular Artist
95. Rahma Babu – CEO, PrideInn Hotels; leading hospitality entrepreneur.
96. Sidi Baya – Content Creator
97. Nyevu Fondo – Content Creator
98. Dj Lenium – Celebrated club and events DJ.
99. Dj Ivory – Popular DJ and music selector.
100. Makku – Radio Presenter, Digital content creator and influencer.

Summary & Analysis

The list underscores a significant evolution of influence. While political heavyweights like Joho, Kingi, Nassir, and Mvurya continue to dominate the formal power structure, a new generation is rising through alternative channels. Tech and innovation find a champion in Mahmoud Noor of Swahilipot Hub. Business influence remains robust with giants like Mohammed Jaffer and Rahma Babu, while social activism is powerfully represented by Hussein Khalid and Mohammed Abbas.

The cultural and media sphere reveals the region’s soft power. From legendary artists like Nyota Ndogo and Kelechi to media giants Lulu Hassan and Rashid Abdalla, and a vibrant new wave of digital creators like Rubby Kache and Presenter Kai, the Coast’s voice resonates nationally. This blend of established authority and disruptive new influence paints a picture of a dynamic region confidently navigating its future while deeply rooted in its rich Swahili heritage.