Rose Njeri, a software developer, is on the 2025 TIME100 Next list, which highlights the most important up-and-coming changemakers in the world.
Njeri, 35, is in the Advocates category because she helped start the national uproar against the 2025 Finance Bill by making a digital platform in June 2025 to get public feedback on the Bill. This app is said to have messed up parliamentary email systems.
She announced the tool on X, which led to her arrest for breaking Section 16 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. This law makes it illegal to interfere with computer systems without permission. She was arrested and then released.
The courts decided that the details given by the prosecution did not meet the legal requirements for a valid charge.
The web developer became the focus of global attention as civil society groups said it showed how Kenya was cracking down on civic tech and online activism.
According to TIME, Njeri is happy to be in her new role as an advocate for change.
“She says the authorities want to ignore us like we’re not part of the process as citizens,” and she adds, “We shouldn’t just sit back and watch.” TIME said.
Njeri was overjoyed to be on the list and dedicated it to the people who helped her fight the State.
She wrote on X, “This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to everyone who has walked this journey with me, challenged me, and inspired me to keep going.”
The TIME100 Next list honours 100 up-and-coming leaders and important people in fields like business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science, activism, and more.
It does this by recognising those who are shaping the future, not just those with traditional power. The list’s goal is to identify and honour up-and-coming stars who are making a big difference.
The TIME100 Next list is now in its fifth year. It was made up of some of the most powerful leaders in the world today in business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science, activism, climate, art, storytelling, and technology.
TIME Magazine says that the variety of topics on these covers shows how different leadership and impact will be in 2025.
Past TIME100 winners and other leaders have also been asked to write tributes to this year’s winners.
Afrobeat star Rema, actor Damson Idris, tennis player Taylor Fritz, and footballer Lamine Yamal are just a few of the other well-known people on the list.