Larry Madowo Biography: Awards, Wife, Children, Education, Net Worth, Age

Larry Madowo is one of Africa’s most visible and influential journalists — a Kenyan-born broadcast journalist who has built an international profile as a reporter, anchor and commentator.

Known for a mix of hard-hitting reporting, business journalism and cultural features, Madowo has reported for global outlets and now serves as a CNN International correspondent.

Early life and education

Larry Madowo was born on 14 July 1987 in Siaya County, western Kenya. He grew up moving between Siaya, Kisumu and Nairobi as his family navigated work and schooling. Early academic years included time at Usingo and Karapul primary schools and later at St. Gabriel’s Seminary for secondary education — at one point he considered training for the priesthood before choosing journalism.

Madowo began his tertiary education at Daystar University, studying communications. After an early break from formal study to pursue journalism, he later returned to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2014. He then expanded his professional credentials with a Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business Journalism at Columbia University, earning a master’s degree in business and economics journalism.

Early career: KTN, NTV and CNBC Africa

Larry’s media career began as an intern at Kenya Television Network (KTN). He later moved to NTV Kenya where he established himself as a business anchor and technology editor, and he also had a stint at CNBC Africa anchoring market shows such as Open Exchange, Power Lunch and Closing Bell. These roles helped sharpen his business journalism credentials.

During his time in Kenyan media he also hosted popular local shows — most notably the Friday night entertainment and culture show #TheTrend, which became a national phenomenon and raised his public profile across East Africa.

Rise to international journalism: BBC and beyond

In April 2018, Madowo joined the BBC as Africa Business Editor. At the BBC he launched and led business coverage across multiple African bureaus, overseeing teams and producing content in English, French and Swahili. He later moved to the BBC’s global newsroom roles, including serving as the BBC’s North America Correspondent based in Washington, D.C., where he covered major U.S. stories including the COVID-19 outbreak, the Black Lives Matter protests and the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Move to CNN and current work

In 2021 Madowo joined CNN as a Nairobi-based international correspondent and has since hosted CNN’s long-running series African Voices Changemakers and served across CNN’s worldwide reporting platforms. His reporting spans politics, economics, culture and human-interest stories across Africa and beyond, and he frequently appears as an anchor and correspondent for breaking news on the network.

Style and areas of focus

Madowo is notable for combining business and economics literacy with strong storytelling. Whether reporting on markets, tech startups, elections or social movements, he brings a reporter’s curiosity to explain complex topics clearly for global audiences. He’s also a digitally savvy broadcaster who built a large social media following by sharing accessible, concise analysis and multimedia reporting.

Awards, recognition and influence

Larry Madowo has earned several professional honors and recognitions. He was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and has appeared on lists such as the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine. His Columbia master’s thesis and reporting have been recognized in journalism circles, and he won the Daily Journalism (Single Report) category at the 2019 Association of International Broadcasting Awards for a radio documentary on Kenya’s railway.

Notable interviews & major reports

Madowo has interviewed presidents, global CEOs, artists and influencers, and has reported on high-impact stories including elections, conflict zones and large-scale humanitarian crises. His reporting has highlighted vaccine inequality, the economic fallout from global disruptions, migration stories, and major sporting and cultural events that intersect with broader social narratives.

Personal life and public voice

While Madowo publicly identifies with Christian upbringing, he has also expressed secular or agnostic reflections in some of his public commentary. He is an active voice on press freedom and the role of journalism in democratic societies, often engaging audiences on digital platforms about media ethics, critical thinking and civic participation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Larry Madowo’s current job?

Larry Madowo is an international correspondent for CNN, based in Nairobi, and a host of CNN’s African Voices Changemakers.

Where was Larry Madowo born and when?

He was born in Siaya County, Kenya, on 14 July 1987.

What did Larry Madowo study?

He earned a BA in Communication from Daystar University and later completed a Knight-Bagehot Fellowship and an MA in Business & Economics Journalism at Columbia University.

Which media organizations has he worked for?

His career includes KTN, NTV Kenya, CNBC Africa, BBC (Africa Business Editor and North America Correspondent) and CNN.

Has Larry Madowo won notable awards?

Yes — among other recognitions, he’s been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and listed among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine.

Conclusion

Larry Madowo’s biography is a story of persistence, curiosity and adaptability. From local Kenyan TV to global news networks, he has leveraged education, editorial rigor and a knack for clear storytelling to become a trusted voice on Africa’s politics, economies and culture. Whether you follow his on-air reports, read his essays or watch his feature series, Madowo continues to reshape how the world sees and understands the African continent.