At 36, Tanzanian entrepreneur Isaya Yunge has built a career around technology, youth leadership and expanding access to education across Africa.
Yunge is the Chief Executive Officer of SomaApps Technologies, the company behind SomaApp, a digital platform that helps students find scholarships and other educational opportunities.
The platform has supported more than 7,000 young Africans in accessing education opportunities.
His contribution to education and youth empowerment earned him the Queen’s Young Leader Award in 2018, making him one of two Tanzanians recognised with the prestigious award that year.
Yunge’s involvement in leadership began during his teenage years. From 2006 to 2007, he served as Chairperson of Tanzania’s Junior Council, representing children in national and international forums.
He later became a UNICEF African Youth Ambassador, serving between 2007 and 2008 and advocating for children’s rights, climate action and increased participation of young people in decision-making.
In 2007, he made history by becoming the first African youth leader to address the G8 Summit, where he represented the perspectives and interests of young people.
His professional experience also extends beyond SomaApps. Between January 2022 and July 2023, Yunge served as Director and CEO of SPEKI Technologies, where he focused on business development, innovation and organisational transformation.
Yunge holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Insurance and Risk Management from the Institute of Finance Management.
He has also pursued studies in Economic Diplomacy and Digital Money, as well as Leading Change in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Cambridge.
Yunge is now set to begin a new chapter in his personal life after getting engaged to President William Ruto’s daughter, Charlene Ruto.
The couple held their traditional Koito ceremony on Saturday, August 8, at President Ruto’s Intona Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
The colourful ceremony was attended by several prominent Kenyan leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, ODM leader Oburu Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, Senator Karen Nyamu and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
Other guests included Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
The ceremony brought together family, friends and political leaders as Yunge and Charlene formally marked their engagement through the traditional ceremony.
