Larry Madowo has spent nearly two decades moving between newsrooms and continents.
His journey has included reporting from the United States, anchoring global news, covering major international events and eventually becoming one of CNN’s recognizable Africa-based correspondents.
This week, the CNN journalist moderated an education fundraiser at the UN General Assembly in New York. It raised US$3.5 billion, about KSh453 billion.
1. A start in Kenyan television
Madowo began at Kenya Television Network at the age of 20. He then became a business anchor at NTV Kenya. In 2012, he spent eight months at CNBC Africa before returning to NTV.
He fronted NTV’s Friday show The Trend until June 2017. He also wrote a weekly Daily Nation column.
2. Leading business coverage as BBC Africa Business Editor
In April 2018, Madowo joined the BBC as its Africa Business Editor, taking charge of the broadcaster’s business reporting across the continent.
The role gave him a far wider platform than he had held before, putting African business stories in front of BBC audiences around the world at a time when the continent’s economies were drawing growing international interest.
3. Moving to Washington as BBC North America Correspondent
Madowo’s BBC career later took him to Washington, DC, where he became the network’s North America Correspondent. It was a major change of beat, from African business to some of the biggest American stories in recent memory.
4. Joining CNN in 2021
In May 2021, Madowo left the BBC to join CNN as a Nairobi-based correspondent. CNN said the role would have him contribute to coverage of East Africa and beyond, drawing on his experience across politics, business, entertainment and hard news.
His rise at the network was quick. Just two months after joining, he was promoted to International Correspondent.
5. Hosting African Voices Changemakers
In 2023, Madowo took on another prominent role at CNN when he became host of African Voices Changemakers. The long-running CNN International programme profiles Africans making an impact in fields such as entertainment, sport, creativity and community development.
