Isaya Yunge has emerged at the centre of public attention following his traditional union with Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, at Intonna Heritage Farm in Kilgoris, Narok County.
While the ceremony drew political and social interest across Kenya, it has also thrust into the spotlight a Tanzanian entrepreneur whose journey reflects resilience, innovation and a sustained focus on youth empowerment.
Born on March 23, 1990, in Mwanza on the shores of Lake Victoria, Yunge’s early life was shaped by hardship.
His parents separated while he was still young, forcing him to move between foster homes. At different points, he reportedly lived on the streets, herded livestock and worked on rice farms.
He only began formal schooling at the age of seven, a delayed start that would later fuel his determination to pursue education as a path out of poverty.
As a teenager, Yunge began engaging in community work, teaching English and basic mathematics to vulnerable children.
His early activism soon found a broader platform when he convinced a local radio station to host a programme where street children could share their experiences.
The initiative later attracted support linked to UNICEF and marked his entry into youth advocacy on a regional scale.
His growing influence saw him selected as a UNICEF Africa Youth Ambassador, a role that elevated his profile internationally.
In 2007, at just 17 years old, he travelled to Germany where he addressed the G8 Summit, becoming one of the youngest African voices to speak at the high-level gathering.
The exposure shaped his outlook on global opportunities and the structural barriers facing African youth.
Yunge later pursued higher education at the Institute of Finance Management in Tanzania, specialising in Insurance and Risk Management.
It was during this period that he identified a recurring challenge: many scholarships and funded programmes remained underutilised due to lack of access to information and complex application processes.
In response, he developed SomaApp, a mobile platform designed to connect students with scholarships and guide them through applications.
The platform has since expanded across multiple African countries, helping thousands of students access education opportunities that might otherwise have remained out of reach.
Beyond SomaApp, Yunge has been linked to several technology ventures, including GOODSAM Technologies, and has participated in international academic and innovation programmes, including engagements associated with Cambridge and other global institutions.
His work has largely focused on leveraging technology to solve practical challenges in education and youth development.
His contributions have earned continental and global recognition. He has been listed among Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 and named an Ashoka Fellow.
In 2018, he received the Queen’s Young Leader Award from Queen Elizabeth II, recognising his efforts in using technology to expand access to opportunity.
From a childhood defined by uncertainty in Mwanza to recognition on global platforms, Yunge’s trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to bridging opportunity gaps.
His union with Charlene Ruto has now placed him within Kenya’s public and political conversation, but his profile continues to be anchored in a longer story of persistence, innovation and social impact.