Lighting the Way: Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders

On Tuesday, 3^rd June 2025, a new chapter in leadership development unfolded as Strathmore University Business School (SBS), in partnership with ForumCiv Eastern and Southern Africa, celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of the NextGen Leaders Fellowship Programme. This transformative six-month programme was designed to nurture ethical, purpose-driven leadership among young people, offering knowledge and the confidence and tools to lead in their communities.

Watching the fellows conceptualize and implement community-based capstone projects—from ending menstrual poverty to caregiver training—was inspiring. These projects addressed real-world issues and gained recognition from mainstream media and even the national government.

The graduation ceremony was filled with stories that reflected the spirit of leadership and resilience. Dr. Ceasar Mwangi, Executive Dean at SBS, invoked the powerful hummingbird analogy, urging graduates to take small but meaningful actions against the fires of corruption, poverty, and dishonesty. He emphasized that Africa’s vast potential lies in its youth, and ethical leadership is the key to unlocking it.

Dr. Kamau Wairuri, who led the programme’s design and delivery, reminded participants of the profound impact of small actions through his dirty coffee cup metaphor—encouraging leaders to approach every task, no matter how simple, with excellence and integrity. He walked the audience through the four-module structure: from governance systems and emotional intelligence to resource mobilization and practical community engagement.

ForumCiv’s Regional Manager, Jackson Obare, brought the audience to reflection with his story of a young boy pushing a stalled truck in the rain—an act that galvanized others to action. He urged fellows to become like the swaying bamboo tree: resilient, flexible, and rooted in purpose. The story of Joy, a participant whose project inspired 20 girls to embrace leadership, reminded us all that leadership is not about perfection, but persistence.

From ForumCiv, Ingrid captured the essence of the day simply: “My favourite thing is to open doors.” And open doors they did—for 25 fellows who now see themselves not just as future leaders, but as active change-makers shaping Kenya today.

Abraham Misoi, representing the Embassy of Sweden, brought it all together with a poignant story of Rev. Gabriel, whose journey from adversity to leadership underscored the value of resilience. He urged fellows to lead with conviction, to speak truth, and to understand that leadership doesn’t wait for grand stages—it starts in everyday spaces.

As the NextGen fellows tossed their graduation caps, they weren’t just closing a chapter—they were lighting many more candles across Kenya. The future isn’t waiting. It’s watching. And thanks to partnerships like this, it’s also rising.

Article by Juliet Hinga