Run For Office

Meet our Inaugural Cohort for our Campaign School 2026.

These young people come from different backgrounds, experiences, and communities, but are united by one thing: the courage to show up and willingness to shape campaigns and leadership.

To learn more about our campaign school, how you can be part of it and where to sign up for the second cohort, you can use this link: https://runforoffice.africa/breaking-the-gatekeeping-cycle/

Application link for the second cohort: https://l1nk.dev/rt7u43g

Seasons greetings from all of us at Run for Office Kenya.

May this Easter inspire renewed hope, courage, and purpose in every young leader stepping forward to shape our nation. Just as this season represents new beginnings, may it remind us that change is possible, and that your voice, your leadership, and your participation matters now more than ever ensuring you don’t just participate, but LEAD, INFLUENCE and TRANSFORM.

Earlier today, we joined other young people U.S. Embassy Nairobi for a dialogue on the future of leadership and governance in Kenya. One thing stood out clearly was - accountability is not a system we inherit, it’s one we must actively build and defend.

From reflections on devolution gaps to the reality of weak fiscal discipline at county level, the message was clear, there is still unfinished work in making governance truly serve the people.

We were challenged to rethink how we show up:
Not chaotic, but strategic.
Not reactive, but intentional.
Not just loud, but effective.

Because the truth is, information gaps remain one of the biggest barriers to meaningful participation for young people. When they lack access to political, economic, and social knowledge, they are locked out of the very systems meant to serve them, as articulated by our ED .aduma

There was also a strong call to move beyond performative activism to ensure we’re channeling our anger into solutions, organizing, and sustaining engagement. This includes something many avoid - actively participating in political parties and governance processes, because like it or not, that’s where long-term influence is shaped.

captured it best, “as Kenyans, we need to care enough to drive meaningful accountability conversations…Not just online, not just in moments of crisis, but consistently, boldly, and with purpose.“

Because youth leadership is not about occupying space - it’s about transforming it.

Eid Mubarak! 🌙✨
As we mark the end of Ramadan, may this Eid bring peace, compassion, and renewed hope to you and your communities.

At Run for Office, we celebrate the values of unity, service, and leadership that bring people together and strengthen our societies.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Eid ul-Fitr.

There are spaces that remind you why movements matter.

Last week, Run For Office had the privilege of joining a room full of women leaders, youth champions and civil society actors for a powerful dialogue on resistance, solidarity and the lessons that shape our collective work.

The day began with a screening of the documentary Pray the Devil Back to Hell, which tells the remarkable story of how Leymah Gbowee and a movement of Liberian women organized across faith and political divides to help end Liberia’s civil war.

But beyond the film, it was the conversations in the room that stayed with us.

Women speaking honestly about organizing under pressure. Young leaders sharing the realities of mobilizing communities in complex political environments. Reflections on courage, strategy and the quiet persistence required to keep pushing for justice.

It was a reminder that movements are sustained not just by moments of protest, but by spaces like these where women gather to learn from each other, share strategies and strengthen the solidarity needed to keep going.

We are grateful to Community Advocacy and Awareness Trust, Wajir Peace University Trust, the Institute on Gender, Law and Transformative Peace at the City University of New York School of Law, and Gbowee Peace Foundation USA for convening such an important dialogue.

Because the work of building peace, accountability and democracy continues and it is strengthened when women come together to reflect, strategize and act.

Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.

This year’s International Women’s Day reminds us that gender equality requires more than words it requires action. Across Africa, women continue to face barriers to political participation, representation, and leadership.

At Run for Office, we believe that democracy works best when women are not just voters, but decision-makers.

From local councils to national parliaments, women’s leadership shapes policies that are more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to communities.

Today, we celebrate the women who are already stepping forward to lead and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting many more to run, win, and lead.

Because when women have equal rights, access to justice, and real opportunities to lead, societies move forward.

This International Women’s Day, let’s move beyond celebration to action support women in leadership, amplify their voices, and open doors for the next generation.

Call for Facilitators | Campaign School

Run For Office is building a roster of experienced facilitators to support delivery of our Campaign Managers Curriculum.

We are seeking values-driven facilitators with experience in political campaigns, advocacy, governance, civic leadership or social movements, and strong participatory, learner-centred training skills.

This is not an employment opportunity. Selected facilitators will join our trainer roster and may be engaged on a sessional or assignment basis as programmes roll out.

Facilitators will deliver curriculum sessions, lead participatory learning and support applied, practice-based training.

Do you know someone who would be a great facilitator? Tag them below.

Click link to apply; https://runforoffice.africa/opportunities/

Deadline: 30th Jan 2026


WomenInLeadership

Kenya doesn’t need more politicians. Kenya needs leaders who serve.

If you’re reading this, it means something in you refuses to settle for complaining from the sidelines. You want to make change happen in your community, your county, your country. And that desire alone is political.

But here’s the truth: the political space was not built with young women in mind. It tests you. It questions your right to speak, to lead, to take up space. The the scrutiny, the whispers, the old boys’ clubs. And yet, through it all, women have risen, stood tall and led with courage.

Now it’s your turn.

You don’t have to be “ready.” You just have to start.
You don’t need permission. You need conviction.
You don’t need to fit in. You need to stand firm!

~ Wilkister Aduma

Elections are supposed to reflect the people’s will but lately, it feels like they’re being used to silence it. Across Africa, young people are rising, organizing online and demanding better. From Kenya to Cameroon, youth are no longer waiting to be told what democracy means we’re defining it for ourselves.

This Friday, 14th November 2025, join an unapologetically Pan-African conversation on where we go beyond the ballot.

Let’s talk about:
• How elections are used to tighten or challenge power.
• Youth movements and digital organizing for change.
• How young Africans are reshaping democracy for the next generation.

Time: 3PM (WAT) | 4PM (CAT)
Venue: Zoom