On 8 August 2026, the quiet landscape of Kilgoris in Narok County became the focus of national attention. President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted a traditional engagement ceremony, known as a Koito, for their daughter, Charlene Ruto.
The man who won her heart is Isaya Yunge, a 36-year-old Tanzanian entrepreneur. While the couple kept their relationship private until recently, Yunge is well-known in the world of African technology and social impact.
A Tech Visionary
Isaya Yunge is the Chief Executive Officer of SomaApps Technologies. This company created SomaApp, a mobile platform that matches African students with scholarship opportunities.
The platform was born from a desire to ensure that local and international scholarships do not go unclaimed.
The platform has helped more than 7,000 young Africans access educational opportunities, earning Yunge recognition for using technology to address barriers to education.
Humble Beginnings
Yunge’s rise to prominence did not start in privileged circles. He was raised by his grandmother and moved between foster families as a child. During his youth, he worked on rice plantations and herded goats and cattle.
Despite these challenges, he showed early leadership skills. He served as the head prefect at Taqwa High School in Mwanza. Later, he became the chairperson of the Junior Council of the United Republic of Tanzania between 2006 and 2007.
Global Recognition
By the age of 17, Yunge was already making a mark on the world stage. He served as a UNICEF African Youth Ambassador and became the first African youth leader to speak at a G8 Summit in 2007.
His professional achievements are extensive:
- Queen’s Young Leader Award (2018): Awarded by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
- Forbes Africa 30 Under 30: Recognised as a leading young change-maker on the continent.
- Ashoka Fellow (2019): Honoured for his work in education funding.
- Academic Credentials: He holds a degree in Insurance and Risk Management and studied at the University of Cambridge.
The Traditional Ceremony
The engagement ceremony took place at the President’s Intona Heritage Farm. The event was a colourful display of culture, with guests adhering to a green, cream, and brown dress code.
The guest list included high-profile leaders such as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Mama Ida Odinga, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. Many dignitaries arrived by helicopter, adding a touch of glamour to the culturally rooted celebration.
