Leadership
The sun dipped low over Nairobi’s skyline (the city under the sun), casting golden hues across bustling streets and serene campuses as a group of dreamers—myself included—set out to spark a revolution in youth leadership. In January 2025, I joined the paNhari team, led by the dynamic duo, Don Bodzo and Phil Mlanda, on a whirlwind five-day tour across Kenya. The goal was to connect with university administrators, particularly directorates that support youth programs, to
explore how we could collaborate, address challenges, and build on existing successes. As the founder of Communis Minds Research and Community Resource Initiative, I’m driven by a hunger to unlock opportunities for young people. This trip, alongside brilliant peers like Halima and Maria, was a canvas of inspiration—and I’m here to paint it for you.
Our first stop was Mount Kenya University, a vibrant hub pulsing with ambition. Meeting Dr. Peter Kirira, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, felt like stepping into a brainstorming session with a kindred spirit. His team buzzed with excitement about fellowship opportunities, their eyes gleaming with the promise of empowering students to lead. I could almost hear the future humming—young minds ready to reshape East Africa.
The next day, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) welcomed us with open arms. The DVC of Research and Extension radiated a quiet intensity, speaking passionately about unleashing the vast knowledge locked within university walls to change the world. Standing there, surrounded by towering trees and eager students, I felt a spark—could this be where the next wave of innovators rises?
At Kenyatta University, Dr. Christine Njuguna and her team stole my heart with their focus on gender equity in leadership. Their campus thrummed with purpose, a living testament to youth- driven community projects. I scribbled notes furiously, my mind racing with ideas to bring back to Communis Minds. This wasn’t just a visit—it was a call to action.
The University of Nairobi, Kenya’s crown jewel, was a whirlwind of energy. Mr. Kinyua, the Dean of Students, leaned forward in his chair, his voice brimming with conviction as he spoke of building opportunities for campus students. I imagined the lecture halls alive with debates, the courtyards echoing with laughter and bold ideas. My heart swelled—here was a place where dreams could take root.
Back home, my Communis Minds crew—Patrice, Tecla, Rweya, and I—hosted the paNhari team. Their enthusiasm for our For Youth, By Youth movement was electric, and their questions about networking lit up the room. We sat in a circle, coffee mugs in hand, dreaming aloud about multiplying our impact. I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were on the cusp of something massive.
Our final stop, United States International University-Africa (USIU), was a breath of calm amid the storm. Nestled on Nairobi’s outskirts, its serene grounds mirrored the warmth of its team. Their passion for leadership, fueled by programs like the Mastercard Foundation scholarships, felt like a gentle nudge—this was personal for them, and for me too. I left with a quiet resolve to connect these dots locally, even as paNhari headed back to the U.S.
Why did I dive into these meetings with such fervor? It’s simple: I believe young people are the heartbeat of change, and I’ve seen firsthand how opportunity can ignite potential. As someone shaped by the 2021 Next Generation Leaders program, I felt a duty to bridge these universities, leaders, and my community into a network of growth. Every conversation was a chance to amplify voices like mine, to turn ideas into action, and to plant seeds for a youth-led future. I couldn’t sit still—I had to be part of it.
Through every handshake, every shared laugh, I felt the same thrill: a hunger to link these incredible people and places into a web of change. My leadership journey, sparked by the 2021 Next Generation Leaders training with paNhari and the Talloires Network, has taught me that real impact starts with connection. I’m still buzzing from it all—energized, inspired, and ready to multiply this effect in my community.
So, here’s my challenge to you, young dreamers: Join the For Youth, By Youth movement, and
let’s build a future where your voice shapes the world. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
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