Rose Njeri Tunguru, a 35-year-old software developer from Nairobi, has been named to the 2025 TIME100NEXT list.
This follows her creation of a digital tool that enabled Kenyans to express opposition to a controversial finance bill.
The recognition comes after a dramatic year in which her work sparked national debate, led to her detention. As a result, it cemented her as a symbol of civic tech and citizen activism in Kenya.
In May 2024, Tunguru launched an online platform enabling citizens to email government officials directly about the proposed finance bill in efforts to foster citizen participation.
Within days, however, her creation drew the attention of authorities. She was detained under Kenya’s cybercrime laws, and her devices were seized.
The arrest sparked public outrage, with human rights organizations such as ‘Amnesty International Kenya,’ calling for her immediate release.
Tunguru’s initial post on X, announcing the tool, quickly went viral, garnering nearly one million views and drawing global attention.
The detention highlighted the tension between civic innovation and regulatory oversight in Kenya.
Many observers saw the arrest as an attempt to silence citizen participation in the legislative process.
“Authorities want to ignore us like we are not part of the process as citizens,” Tunguru said. “We shouldn’t just sit back and watch,” she added.
Through her X handle, Tunguru shared her excitement on Tuesday:
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to share that I’ve been named in the 2025 #TIME100NEXT list! 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.”
The TIME100NEXT list traditionally honors individuals expected to shape the next decade. The recognition validates both her technical skills and her role as a civic actor.
About the Author
