Written by Faith Mwende
Kenyan actress and media personality Catherine Kamau, popularly known as Kate Actress, has been appointed Global Goodwill Ambassador for the Bill Gates & Friends social movement, a new initiative tied to the #BillGatesAt70 celebrations in the United States.
The role will see Kate represent Africa on the platform, spotlighting Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, while championing African voices in global discussions on health, education, and innovation.
In her announcement, Kate said: “From Nairobi to Lagos to Johannesburg, I will be uniting Africa’s voice — honouring Bill Gates’ legacy while inspiring the future of health, education and innovation. This is a global call to action.”
Her appointment has, however, triggered mixed reactions among Kenyans. Many have questioned the involvement with Bill Gates, citing long-running debates about his influence on Africa through philanthropy and development initiatives.
“The guy behind polio issues? Vaccine issues, vaccination on our livestock, GMO’s. This is a No for me. We even gave him immunity ziii ziii Zii”
“Kate we love u but this u should have said no. Honestly speaking that guy has no good interest”
“Girl, Bill has no goodwill for us Africans. Conspiracy theory? Maybe, but its the name they give to spoken reality. He does have goodwill for your pocket though.”
“I am heartbroken by this to be honest. Yes to goodwill ambassador but NO to the sponsor! If Africa was in the right place, these kind of celebrations wouldn’t have to exist”
At the same time, a section of Kenyans congratulated Kate, calling it a proud moment for the country and praising her for bringing African representation to the global stage.
The Bill Gates & Friends movement is expected to launch later this month in the US, with Kate expected to play a central role in its Africa-focused campaigns.
