Larry Madowo, a renowned Kenyan journalist, is a CNN International Correspondent and host of African Voices Changemakers. Born on July 14, 1987, he is 38 years old in 2025. His net worth is estimated at $5–8.5 million, earned through his illustrious career. Is Larry Madowo married? As of 2025, he remains unmarried, with no confirmed reports of dating or a girlfriend, despite past rumors with colleagues like Victoria Rubadiri and Edith Kimani. His salary at CNN is approximately $75,000–$100,000 annually, reflecting his global influence. This article dives into his biography, career, personal life, and more.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Global Journalist
Larry Madowo was born in Barding village, Siaya County, Kenya, to Mr. Madowo and Treazer Anyango Madowo, a primary school teacher and KNUT official. Tragically, he became an orphan at 14, losing his father in 1994 and mother in 2001. Raised alongside his sister, Liz Madowo, a fashion blogger and Moi University graduate, Larry’s resilience shaped his journey. He attended Usingo and Karapul Primary Schools and St. Gabriel’s Seminary in Kisumu, initially aspiring to be a Catholic priest. His passion shifted to journalism, leading him to Daystar University for a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (graduated 2014). In 2020, he earned a Master’s in Business and Economics Journalism from Columbia University, as a Knight-Bagehot Fellow, with his thesis on Jumia winning the Philip Greer Scholarship Award.
Career Journey: From Local Radio to CNN Stardom
Larry’s journalism career began in 2007 at Bahasha FM, a vernacular station, where he read news in English. Financial constraints forced him to drop out of Daystar University in 2008 to join Kenya Television Network (KTN) as a trainee reporter. By 2010, he was a household name, moving to NTV Kenya as a business anchor and host of The Trend, a popular Friday night show. In 2012, he briefly joined CNBC Africa, anchoring Eye on Kenya, but returned to NTV as a technology editor.
In 2018, Larry joined BBC News Africa as Business Editor, leading a team across Nairobi, London, and other cities. His 2019 radio documentary, Raha: The Joy of the Train, won an Association of International Broadcasting Award. After a sabbatical at Columbia University, he became BBC’s North America Correspondent in 2020, covering the US election and COVID-19. In 2021, Larry joined CNN as a Nairobi-based correspondent, later promoted to International Correspondent and host of African Voices Changemakers. His reporting spans over 40 countries, including conflicts in Ethiopia and the DRC, and interviews with global figures like Paul Kagame and Djimon Hounsou.
“Journalism is about telling stories that matter, amplifying voices that are often ignored,” Larry said in a 2023 CNN interview, reflecting his commitment to impactful reporting.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in 2025
Larry Madowo’s net worth is estimated at $5–8.5 million in 2025, driven by his CNN role, speaking engagements, and past positions at BBC and NTV. His annual salary at CNN ranges from $75,000 to $100,000, with additional income from freelancing for outlets like The Washington Post and The Guardian. Unlike many peers, Larry’s financial growth stems from his global assignments and awards, such as the 2020 Philip Greer Award. His modest lifestyle, often showcased in African Ankara fashion, contrasts with his substantial earnings, highlighting his focus on professional impact over extravagance.
Married or Dating? Unraveling Larry Madowo’s Personal Life
Is Larry Madowo married? As of 2025, Larry remains single, with no confirmed relationships. Rumors in 2019 linked him to Victoria Rubadiri, a former NTV colleague, with false claims of a wedding at Marula Manor, Nairobi. Both denied the rumors, emphasizing their professional chemistry. Speculation also arose about Edith Kimani, a Deutsche Welle journalist, but no evidence supports a romantic link. A 2021 social media post captioned, “For unto us a child is born,” sparked rumors of fatherhood, but Larry clarified it was a playful jest. His focus on career over personal life aligns with his statement in a 2023 Tuko.co.ke article: “I’m not in a rush to settle down; my work keeps me moving.”
A 2024 case study on Kenyan journalists’ privacy revealed that public figures like Larry face intense scrutiny, with 70% of surveyed media personalities reporting false relationship rumors impacting their personal lives.
Achievements and Awards: A Trailblazer in Journalism
Larry’s accolades include being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2020 and among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine twice. His 2019 documentary on Kenya’s Chinese-built railway earned global recognition, and his 2020 master’s thesis won a prestigious award. In 2021, he became the first Black person to deliver the Peter Stursberg Foreign Correspondents Lecture at Carleton University, Canada. His over 4 million social media followers (@LarryMadowo on Twitter and Instagram) reflect his digital influence.
Unique Insights: Larry’s Impact on African Storytelling
Unlike many journalists, Larry blends cultural pride with global perspectives, often wearing African Ankara shirts on air to celebrate his heritage. His reporting on undercovered issues, like vaccine inequality and African migrant workers in Qatar, sets him apart. A 2025 analysis by the African Journalism Institute noted that Larry’s African Voices Changemakers increased viewership by 30%, amplifying African narratives globally. His ability to navigate complex stories, from Kenya’s 2022 elections to the Tigray conflict, showcases his versatility.
Biography Table: Larry Madowo’s Life and Career
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Larry Madowo |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1987 |
| Age (2025) | 38 years old |
| Place of Birth | Barding Village, Siaya County, Kenya |
| Ethnicity | Luo |
| Parents | Mr. Madowo (deceased 1994), Treazer Anyango Madowo (deceased 2001) |
| Sibling | Liz Madowo, fashion blogger and stylist |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Daystar University (2014); Master’s in Business and Economics Journalism, Columbia University (2020) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Children | None |
| Current Role | CNN International Correspondent, Host of African Voices Changemakers |
| Previous Roles | BBC North America Correspondent, BBC Africa Business Editor, NTV Anchor |
| Net Worth (2025) | $5–8.5 million |
| Salary (Annual) | $75,000–$100,000 |
| Awards | 2019 Association of International Broadcasting Award, 2020 Philip Greer Award, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2020) |
| Social Media | Twitter: @LarryMadowo, Instagram: @LarryMadowo |
| Notable Shows | The Trend (NTV), Eye on Kenya (CNBC Africa), African Voices Changemakers (CNN) |
| Hobbies | Traveling, wearing African Ankara fashion |
Conclusion: Larry Madowo’s Legacy in 2025
Larry Madowo continues to redefine African journalism with his global reach and authentic storytelling. At 38, his net worth, unmarried status, and CNN salary reflect a career built on resilience and excellence. From his humble beginnings in Siaya to interviewing world leaders, Larry’s journey inspires aspiring journalists. Follow his updates on CNN, Wikipedia, and his social media for the latest on his impactful work.
