Software developer Rose Njeri, 35, has earned a spot on the 2025 TIME100 Next list. The annual list highlights the world’s most influential emerging changemakers and marks a significant moment for Kenyan innovation.
Njeri appears in the Advocates category because of her role during the national uproar against the 2025 Finance Bill. In June 2025, she built a digital platform to collect public feedback on the Bill. The app quickly gained traction and, according to reports, disrupted parliamentary email systems.
Soon after announcing the tool on X, formerly Twitter, authorities arrested her. They accused her of violating Section 16 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. Yet a Kenyan court later dismissed the case, noting the charges lacked merit and did not meet the legal threshold. As a result, the ruling highlighted the challenges civic tech activists continue to face in Kenya.
Global Recognition
Meanwhile, her case drew international attention. Civil society groups argued that her arrest showed the growing pressure on digital innovators who try to amplify public voices. At the same time, TIME described her as a courageous leader who embraces advocacy and questions authority.
Njeri herself has been outspoken. She has often criticized leaders for ignoring citizen input. “Authorities want to ignore us like we are not part of the process as citizens,” she said, urging Kenyans not to remain silent.
In her reaction to the recognition, Njeri dedicated the honor to her community of supporters. “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.
The TIME100 Next list celebrates rising global leaders in activism, technology, politics, art, and culture. Through her inclusion, Njeri represents the growing influence of Kenyan changemakers on the global stage.
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