Larry Madowo Biography: Age, Net Worth, Family, Career

Larry Madowo stands out as one of Africa’s most influential journalists. From humble beginnings in Kenya, he rose to become a global correspondent and news anchor with major international networks. In this post, we explore his life  from childhood and education to career journey, achievements, controversies, and his financial standing. Whether you know him from CNN, BBC, or Kenyan media, this biography gives a full picture of who Larry Madowo is and why he matters.

Biography

Early Life and Family
Larry Madowo was born on July 14, 1987, in Siaya County, Kenya. His parents were Mr. Madowo and Treazer Anyango Madowo. Tragically, he lost his father when he was very young; and his mother passed away in 2001, when Larry was still a teenager. He has at least one sibling, a sister named Liz Madowo, who later graduated from university and became a stylist and fashion blogger.

Growing up without parents was difficult, but those challenges shaped his determination. Despite early hardships, Larry remained focused on education and his ambitions.

Education
Larry attended Usingo and Karapul primary schools, then moved to St. Gabriel’s Seminary in Kisumu for his secondary (O-Level) education at one point, he aspired to become a Catholic priest. However, after high school he changed direction and pursued communications. In 2006, he enrolled at Daystar University (Athi River Campus) for a degree in communications.

Financial constraints forced him to drop out about a year and a half later. To make ends meet, he took up odd jobs including freelance writing and working in a supermarket. But his passion for journalism stayed firm. Eventually he returned to Daystar and completed his Bachelor of Arts in Communication in June 2014.

Later, Larry advanced his education internationally, he was accepted as a Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business Journalism at Columbia University in New York. He graduated with a Master’s in Business and Economics Journalism in May 2020.

These educational milestones, from Daystar to Columbia, laid a strong foundation for Larry’s career in media and global journalism.

Career Overview

Larry Madowo’s career is a remarkable journey from local Kenyan media to the global spotlight.

• Early Career: Radio & KTN
  In 2007, Larry began as an intern at a small vernacular radio station Bahasha FM, reading news in English. After the station folded during the 2007/2008 post‑election violence, Larry moved on. He then joined Kenya Television Network (KTN) as a trainee reporter. At KTN, he broke new ground by launching and anchoring Kenya’s first daytime business programs, “KTN Financial Markets Live” and “KTN Business Today.” He also played a pioneering role in bringing social media into Kenyan television, setting up KTN Kenya’s first Facebook and Twitter (X) pages.
• NTV & CNBC Africa
  After about three years at KTN, Larry joined NTV Kenya in October 2010 as a business news anchor and reporter. There, he launched “PM Live” and hosted the weekly show “Money Matters.” In May 2012, he moved to CNBC Africa, based in Johannesburg, becoming one of its main anchors. Larry hosted prime‑time market shows including “Open Exchange,” “Power Lunch,” and “Closing Bell.” He also produced and presented “Eye on Kenya.” However, by December 2012, he returned to NTV Kenya, this time as technology editor and news anchor.

  During this second stint at NTV, Larry began freelancing for major international media outlets: CNN International, France 24 English, BBC, Public Radio International, and others. He also hosted a popular Friday‑night show “#TheTrend” on NTV (December 2012 – June 2017) that significantly raised his public profile.

  In addition, he wrote a weekly column called “#FrontRow” for the national newspaper Daily Nation from August 2014 until February 2018.

• BBC Africa and Business Editor
  On April 11, 2018, Larry officially joined BBC News Africa as Business Editor, leading a team of business journalists spread across London, Nairobi, Lagos, Dakar, and Johannesburg. Under his leadership, the unit churned out syndicated shows and coverage of African business stories for BBC’s global platforms.
• Global Journalism: Columbia, BBC North America, CNN
  In 2019, Larry was selected for the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship at Columbia University. After completing the Master’s program in 2020, he returned to BBC, this time as North America Correspondent, reporting from across the United States for BBC World News and the BBC World Service.

  In May 2021, he joined CNN as their Nairobi‑based correspondent. Two months later, he was promoted to International Correspondent and subsequently became the anchor for CNN’s weekly news bulletin programme One World.

  At CNN, he also became host of the long-running series African Voices Changemakers, a show that profiles outstanding individuals across Africa making meaningful social, cultural, or economic contributions.

Throughout his career, Larry has reported on a wide array of topics from business and economics, to politics, technology, culture, and human interest. His reporting spans across continents and decades, giving him broad global experience.

Controversies and Criticisms

As a high-profile journalist operating on both African and global media stages, Larry Madowo has faced some controversies and criticisms.

One recurring criticism is from some quarters accusing him of “sensationalizing” African issues while reporting for international outlets. Critics argue that certain coverage sometimes amplifies negative narratives about Africa, which can reinforce stereotypes abroad.

Additionally, while working in Kenya, there were instances where his outspoken defense of press freedom and critical columns put him at odds with authorities and media institutions. For example, when a column he wrote criticizing the government’s shutdown of private TV stations was rejected by his former newspaper, he published it via an international platform instead.

Such tensions reflect the challenges journalists often face in balancing objectivity, accountability, and social responsibility especially when reporting on sensitive political or social issues. But despite the criticism, Larry has maintained a commitment to honest journalism and continues to voice concerns about media freedom in Africa.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Estimating the net worth of public figures like Larry Madowo involves a mix of publicly reported income, media salary estimates, and other sources  but the data varies widely across platforms.

• His net worth is estimated to be around US$5 million, though other sources suggest figures ranging from US$1 million to US$18 million.

Factors contributing to his wealth include:

• Salary and benefits from major employers such as CNN and BBC.
• Additional income streams: freelance writing, speaking engagements, hosting events, and possibly other media-related side gigs.
• Career longevity, spanning several media houses over nearly two decades.

Because publicly verified figures are scant, these numbers should be viewed as approximate.

Legacy and Significance

Larry Madowo’s story is inspiring on many fronts. From growing up as an orphan in rural Kenya to becoming a globally recognized journalist  his rise speaks to resilience, talent, and ambition.

• Media Innovation in Kenya: Early in his career he helped pioneer the use of social media for Kenyan television establishing some of the first social‑media presences for TV stations.
• Cross‑Continental Journalism: Larry bridged African media and Western networks. By moving from local Kenyan media to global platforms like BBC and CNN, he opened doors for African stories to reach a global audience.
• Advocate for Press Freedom: His willingness to publish critical opinion pieces  even when local institutions balked  and speak out in defense of media independence has earned him respect among journalists and free‑speech advocates.
• Role Model for Young Africans: For aspiring journalists  especially in Africa  Larry’s path shows that determination and quality work can lead to international platforms, regardless of early challenges.
• Global Storytelling: As host of shows like African Voices Changemakers, he amplifies African success stories, highlighting entrepreneurship, creativity, and social impact  contributing to more balanced global narratives about Africa.

In short, Larry Madowo’s legacy lies in his ability to connect Kenya and Africa to the world  not just through headlines, but through meaningful, well‑researched stories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How old is Larry Madowo?
Larry Madowo was born on July 14, 1987 — making him 38 years old as of 2025.

2. Where is Larry Madowo from?
He was born in Siaya County, Kenya.

3. What is Larry Madowo’s educational background?
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Daystar University (completed in June 2014) and later obtained a Master’s in Business and Economics Journalism from Columbia University in New York (2020).

4. Which major media organizations has Larry Madowo worked for?
His career includes roles at Kenya Television Network (KTN), NTV Kenya, CNBC Africa, BBC News Africa (as Business Editor, later North America Correspondent), and currently, CNN International as International Correspondent and host for global news and African‑focused shows.

5. What shows is Larry Madowo known for?
In Kenya: “KTN Financial Markets Live,” “KTN Business Today,” “PM Live,” “Money Matters,” and the Friday-night show “#TheTrend.”
Internationally: He hosts “African Voices Changemakers” on CNN and anchors news bulletins like “One World.”

6. What is Larry Madowo’s estimated net worth?
Estimates vary widely; some sources put it around US$5 million, others up to US$18 million  while a few are more conservative at US$1–3 million.

7. Is Larry Madowo married?
Publicly, there are no confirmed reports that Larry Madowo is married. His personal life remains private, though he has sometimes been romantically linked with other journalists.

Conclusion

Larry Madowo’s journey from a modest upbringing in Kenya to becoming a respected global journalist is a powerful testament to ambition, talent, and perseverance. His career spans local television, international news, radio, print, and digital media. More than that, through his work, Larry has helped bring African stories to the global stage and challenged stereotypes by telling nuanced, insightful stories.