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Rising To Lead
Narratives of Africa's Young Leaders
This collection of stories is a loud statement of intent from our fellows - leaders who will not simply stand by and watch in the political and public sphere. Their experiences, as recorded on these pages, present starkly the realities of leadership: the ceaseless striving forward, the obstacles that need to be torn down, and the staying power to maintain faith in democratic values against all odds.
Frontline Fighter
Mohammed Ismail Eltahir Bera
Sudan
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
My political journey began in the vibrant halls of Nyala University, where I studied engineering but discovered my passion for advocacy and leadership. Elected as the president of the Engineering Association during my first year, I realised the power of organised efforts in shaping communities and influencing policy.
The Call To Serve: Young Women And Politics In Kenya
Whitney Mwenje
Kenya
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
In September 2018, an extraordinary act of generosity reshaped my path. A professor, who hardly knew me, rallied to raise half a million Kenyan shillings to clear my first-year medical school fees. His words, “I don’t need to know you to help you,” sparked my deep sense of responsibility. I then realised that, like trees, we are rooted in our communities to provide shade, bear fruit, and offer stability. This realisation has guided both my medical career and my journey into politics.
A Glimpse Of Hope In A Politically Disrupted Environment
Eric Casinga
Democratic Republic of Congo
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
Gunshots, teargas blasting in the air, cries of women and children roaring this quiet morning of March 18th 2019. I got woken up by the noise outside; my neighbour was in tears because she just lost her son, a young fellow with a promising future whose life had just been put to an end by police forces. The only sin he has ever committed was to take part in a march by the civil society to reclaim peace and stability in the DRC.
How State Capture Amplified Corruption In South Sudan
Diing Deng Mou
South Sudan
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war. However, internal conflicts, political instability, and widespread corruption overshadow the promise of a new beginning. Among the most pressing issues is state capture - a form of systemic political corruption in which powerful individuals, institutions, or groups manipulate policies and regulations for their benefit. This phenomenon has far-reaching implications for governance, development, and social stability in South Sudan.
Why Public Healthcare Matters
Derrick Mwenda Bundi
Kenya
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
I grew up in the lush green county of Meru, the upper eastern region of Kenya. The fresh air, sounds of chirping birds, and the refreshing sight of ornamental purple bougainvillaea and kei apple (kayaba) fences were the norm. Most importantly, we enjoyed fresh food from the farm. And good health. Growing up in the shadow of the Meru Prisons Dispensary, where my father worked as a nurse, I developed a profound empathy for those on the margins.
Maternal Child Health In Kenya: A Personal Journey Of Advocacy For Mothers With Special Children And Premature Babies
Juliet Soila Sankale
Kenya
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
My journey into the world of maternal and child health, particularly the challenges faced by mothers of children with special needs and premature babies, is deeply personal. I am a mother to a beautiful child born prematurely whose developmental milestones have been delayed over the last five years. Every day has been an intricate balance of love, worry, and the relentless pursuit of solutions to help my child thrive.
Why I Am Running For Office
Daniel Orogo
Kenya
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
I am Daniel Orogo, a young politician and future policy leader from Kenya. I plan to vie for the Member of Parliament for Kibra Constituency position in the 2027 General elections. Raised in the Kibera slums, my late father was a motor vehicle mechanic who owned a small garage in Kibera’s Fort Jesus area. He depended on a meagre income from casual contracts for repair or motor vehicle services. Occasionally, when the schools were closed, my dad would insist that I spend time in the garage with him and occasionally invite me to some of the government offices to follow up on the delay of his payments.
The Fight Against Female Genital Mutilation And Child Marriage
Josephine Kulea
Kenya
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
Growing up in Samburu County, I lived amidst the harsh realities of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. These were not abstract issues; they were vivid and heartbreaking realities that shaped the lives of those around me. My own mother, a bright and ambitious young girl, was forced to leave school after undergoing FGM and being married off as a teenager. Her dreams were cut short, but her story lit a fire in me.
Redefining Politics And Reimagining Democracy By Centering Marginalized Voices In Political Space
Amisa Rashid Ahmed
Kenya
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
The political is personal, and the personal is political, which is the idea that our personal lives reflect our larger sociopolitical sphere and our ideologies shape how we interact with society and, ultimately, how we engage with the world around us.
Second Time Lucky
Hiram Kimotho
Kenya
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
As a young person with no political experience, no godfather to back me up, and no vast resources, I dared to step into the political arena in 2022 by running for political office as a Member of County Assembly in Muranga County. It was a baptism by fire.
Politicians Need To Communicate Better
Cynthia Mwangi
Kenya
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
Kenya's history is riddled with broken promises, unethical behaviour, and shattered trust. This desire for transparency and leaders to lead and speak honestly is deeply felt. There is a gap between politicians and the electorate, which echoes in Kenya and Africa.
Empowering Youth And Fostering Community Development
Bruno Victory
Tanzania
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
Reflecting on my journey and looking toward the next five years, I envision significant strides in youth empowerment and community development. Through collaboration, tackling critical challenges, and drawing on lived experiences, I aim to foster sustainable change and leave a legacy of meaningful leadership.
From Struggle To Strength
Namugalu Mariam
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Uganda
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
My name is Namugalu Mariam, a 31-year-old Ugandan. I grew up in a home fractured by discord, raised primarily by my grandmother and father. My childhood was marked by the struggles of a broken family and the challenges of being deemed unworthy of education. Despite my evident intelligence and eagerness to learn, I was frequently denied the opportunity to attend school.
Rising From The Shadows: A Journey Of Leadership And Change In Uganda
Alinaitwe Jotham
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Uganda
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
Growing up in Uganda, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of poor governance and systemic injustice. My community faced neglected public services, inadequate healthcare, poor infrastructure, and overcrowded schools. The leaders who should have worked for the people seemed more focused on personal gain, while corruption spread like a disease, holding the nation back.
Youth Political Representation In Tanzania
Ambonisye Haule
Tanzania
East Africa Public Leadership Programme 2024
My journey in public service began with a deep desire to contribute to improving my community and my country. Growing up in Tanzania, I noticed a significant gap: the limited representation of youth in leadership positions within public service. Despite young people making up most of the population, older generations dominate decision-making roles, leaving little room for young voices to shape policies and strategies directly affecting them.
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