Larry Madowo Biography
Larry Madowo is a prominent Kenyan journalist who serves as an international correspondent for CNN and hosts the African Voices Changemakers and Playmakers series. Before his time at CNN, he was with the BBC, where he reported as a North America correspondent from Washington, D.C., anchoring breaking news and presenting BBC World News America. He also held the position of Africa Business Editor at the BBC until 2019.
In the 2019–2020 academic year, Madowo was a Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economics and Business Journalism at Columbia University in New York. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a versatile figure in journalism, working as a reporter, broadcaster, writer, and news anchor. His reporting spans a wide range of topics, including business, technology, politics, current affairs, and popular culture, with his work featured on major platforms like CNN International, the BBC, The Washington Post, and The Guardian.
Madowo kicked off his journalism journey in Nairobi as a trainee reporter at Kenya Television Network (KTN) before moving to NTV Kenya, where he initially worked as a business anchor and later returned to the station. He also reported on business and financial news at CNBC Africa before going back to NTV. In March 2018, he made the move to the BBC.
Outside of television, Madowo hosted The Larry Madowo Show on Nation FM from August 2014 to June 2016 and penned a weekly #FrontRow column in the Daily Nation from 2014 to 2018. In Kenya, he gained significant recognition for hosting the popular Friday night show #TheTrend on NTV from December 2012 until June 2017.
In May 2021, Madowo stepped into the role of CNN’s Nairobi correspondent. Just two months later, in July 2021, he was promoted to international correspondent, showcasing his impressive ascent within the network.
Larry Madowo Age
How old is Larry? He is 38 years old as of 2026. He was born in 1987 in Siaya, Kenya.
Larry Madowo Education
He went to Usingo and Karapul primary schools, as well as St Gabriel’s Seminary, for his education. Madowo began her studies at Daystar University in Nairobi in 2006, where she majored in Communication. In 2007, Madowo interned at Bahasha FM, a vernacular radio station, reading English news. Madowo left college after a year and a half to join Kenya Television Network, Africa’s oldest private television network. Madowo returned to education in June 2014, graduating from Daystar University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
He was named one of Columbia University’s Knight-Bagehot Fellows for the 2019–2020 academic year on April 9, 2019. On July 29, 2019, Madowo stated that he would be leaving the BBC to undertake a fellowship at Columbia Journalism School. Madowo graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Arts in Business and Economics Journalism on May 20, 2020.
Larry Madowo Nationality | Ethnicity
What ethnicity is Larry? he belongs to the black ethnicity/heritage, he was born and raised in Siaya, Kenya and he holds Afro-American nationality.
Larry Madowo Family | Parents
Larry was born in 1987 in Siaya, Kenya. Apparently, attempts to establish the identities of his mother and father were in vain since no information about them is available to the public. However, Liz Madowo, his sister, is a Moi University graduate who works as a stylist and a fashion blogger.
Larry Madowo Wife | Married
He is currently not married and is single.
Larry Madowo Net Worth
Madowo’s annual salary could range from $100,000 to $180,000, which roughly translates to Ksh 11-19 million. He was reportedly paid between £90,000 (12,150,000) and £120,000 (16,200,00) per year at the BBC, excluding other benefits.
Larry Madowo CNN | BBC| Career
In 2006, Larry Madowo kicked off his journey by enrolling in a Communication degree at Daystar University in Nairobi. Just a year later, he snagged an internship at Bahasha FM, a vernacular station, where he got his start reading English-language news. But then, about a year and a half into his studies, life threw him a curveball—he decided to leave university and jump at an opportunity with Kenya Television Network (KTN), one of Africa’s oldest private broadcasters.
At KTN, Madowo quickly made a name for himself, becoming a familiar face in the Kenyan media landscape. After three years, he made a move to NTV Kenya, stepping into the role of a business anchor and reporter. His career took a significant leap in May 2012 when he joined CNBC Africa, where he anchored key programs like Open Exchange, Power Lunch, and Closing Bell. Although his time there was brief—just eight months—he returned to NTV in December 2012, this time taking on the role of technology editor and news anchor. With a strong desire to finish his education, he went back to school and proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Daystar University in June 2014.
During his second stint at NTV, Madowo broadened his horizons internationally, freelancing for major global outlets like CNN International, France 24, the BBC, and Public Radio International. In 2018, after the Daily Nation chose not to publish one of his opinion pieces that criticized a government media shutdown, the article found a new home on CNN’s platform. He then wrapped up his column and became a contributing columnist for The Washington Post’s Global Opinions section.
On April 11, 2018, Madowo took on the role of Business Editor at BBC News Africa, leading a talented team of journalists across cities like Nairobi, London, Lagos, Dakar, and Johannesburg. His reporting covered a wide range of platforms, including television, radio, and digital, all within the BBC’s expansive global network.
Madowo has also made a brief contribution to The Guardian (US edition) while continuing his work with the BBC. He made his return to the BBC in the summer of 2020, stepping into a new role as North America Correspondent, kicking off with a report from a COVID-19 unit in Houston, Texas. Reporting mainly for BBC World News and the BBC World Service, he covered a variety of stories across the United States, filing reports from states like North Dakota, Georgia, Kentucky, New York, Louisiana, and both South and North Carolina.
His coverage of the 2020 U.S. election and Joe Biden’s inauguration received international acclaim. Throughout his career, Madowo has had the opportunity to interview a diverse array of influential figures, including heads of state, world-renowned artists, corporate leaders, and even Sophia the Robot. In March 2020, he was recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and in June 2020, he received a nomination for the One Young World Journalist of the Year award. He has also been featured multiple times in New African magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential Africans, including in 2020.
In May 2021, Madowo stepped into the role of CNN’s Nairobi correspondent. Just two months later, in July 2021, he was promoted to international correspondent, showcasing his impressive ascent within the network.
