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East Africa Public Leadership Programme
The East Africa Public Leadership Programme empowers future-focused political and civics leaders across the East Africa Community regions with the skills and networks necessary to drive meaningful change in public service and governance.
The East Africa Public Leadership Programme works with young aspiring and established political and civics leaders in preparing for their roles in elected political office or as political appointees in public service. Our fellows are individuals with deep political awareness, demonstrate effective leadership in diverse settings, demonstrate initiative, and have strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to public service.
2%
Youth hold only 2% of parliamentary seats, despite making up over 70% of East Africa’s population.
*Westminster Foundation for Democracy
26%
Women occupy just 26% of national legislature seats in East Africa, falling short of the 50% parity goal.
*UN Women
USD450,000
is the average cost for a competitive parliamentary campaign in East Africa.
*Westminster Foundation for Democracy
Learning Pathways and Methods of Learning
The curriculum is divided into thematic seminar weekends, which are the key learning units. The thematic seminar weekends are ordered and taught using the principles of Theory U. Each seminar weekend is further broken down into three learning paths, each comprising several modules that are completed over the course of the programme
Transformational
(personal leadership)
Transactional
(skills competency)
Systems
(political and government systems knowledge and understanding)
Duration
Seven months of intensive learning followed by five years of alumni engagement.
Curriculum
Seven mandatory in-residence weekend seminars covering workshops, expert-led sessions, case studies, and collaborative projects.
Objectives
Enhance public purpose understanding, navigate complexities, acquire campaign skills, improve decision-making, and manage transitions into public service.
Who Should Apply
To qualify for the programme, you should be a proven leader in your profession, educational institution, or community, aged 18-45. Candidates should be citizens of the following East Africa Community countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Burundi, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda, Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Candidates exploring elected political office or public service careers are encouraged to apply, regardless of educational background. We welcome applicants from all sectors eager to transition into public service leadership roles, regardless of political experience.
Seminar Weekends
It is mandatory to attend all seven in-residence seminars, starting Thursday and ending Sunday. Fellows must commit to attending all seven seminars without interruption. When applying, shortlisted candidates will receive detailed communication on seminar dates and locations before accepting their place in the programme. Travel is required.
Upcoming African Elections 2024 to 2025
Scheduled elections across the East Africa Community countries, covering presidential, parliamentary, and local levels. This snapshot highlights key democratic events shaping the political landscape on the continent for the remainder of the year.
2024
​​Mauritius: National Assembly elections – November 30, 2024.
​​​South Sudan: Presidential, National Assembly, and Local elections – Postponed to 2026.​
2025
Burundi: Parliamentary elections - May 2025.
​​​​​​​​​​​
Tanzania: General elections - October 2025.​
Cost of the Programme
Upon acceptance into the programme, a non-refundable, once-off enrolment fee will secure your space in the programme. This fee will be communicated to successful applicants who are offered a space in the programme.
​
Limited financial assistance is available for qualified applicants to create an inclusive learning community that is accessible to all.
Meet The Team
Natasha Kimani
Regional Director: East Africa
Maseke Rioba
Programmes Officer: East Africa
Elma Ooro
Operations Officer: East Africa
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