Global Peace Foundation Kenya

DANIEL JUMA CALLS FOR PEACEFUL AND TRANSFORMATIVE STUDENT LEADERSHIP AT LAUNCH OF LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

The Universities Student Leadership Institute (USLI) was officially launched on Wednesday at the Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel in Nairobi during a high-level gathering that brought together student leaders, policymakers, governance experts, development partners, and youth empowerment stakeholders from across the country.

The event, organized under the Universities Student Leaders Association (USLA), was held under the theme: “Advancing Ethical, Innovative & Transformative Leadership for Africa’s Future.”

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration and installation of Dr. Agnes Anyango Andollo as the Chancellor of the Universities Student Leadership Institute, where she later delivered her inaugural address outlining her vision for institutional leadership and youth empowerment.

Delivering the keynote speech during the launch, the Global Peace Foundation Africa Regional Representative Mr. Daniel Juma Omondi challenged university students to embrace servant leadership, peacebuilding, integrity, and active civic engagement as the country prepares for future elections.

“Leadership is not about titles, power, or privilege. True leadership is about service, integrity, responsibility, and the courage to unite people around a common purpose,” Omondi said.

He urged student leaders to mobilize fellow students to participate peacefully in democratic processes by registering as voters and making their voices heard through the ballot.

Omondi also commended the ongoing “Tuko Kari” voter registration drive for encouraging young people to take part in shaping Kenya’s future through active citizenship.

“Democracy becomes stronger when young people participate. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. The future of Kenya will be shaped by those who choose to stand up, engage, and make their voices heard,” he stated.

He further encouraged students to reject political intolerance, violence, tribalism, and divisive politics, instead championing issue-based leadership, dialogue, accountability, and national unity.

“Peace is not merely the absence of violence. Peace is the presence of justice, dialogue, opportunity, and mutual respect,” Omondi told participants.

The keynote speaker described universities as incubators of future leaders and called on the newly launched institute to nurture ethical, innovative, and transformational leadership among young Africans.

The launch event featured several presentations and discussions focusing on governance, civic responsibility, innovation, youth diplomacy, and leadership development. Speakers at the launch included Gerishom Okonda on leadership development and capacity building, Marion Stechy on youth diplomacy and regional integration, Tinega Mokaya on generational leadership, Allan Chacha on peacebuilding and transformational leadership, Peter Quest on governance and public service, Johnson Kinyua on student welfare and institutional engagement and Prof. Jean Bosco Byiringiro on innovation and virtual reality technology.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, delivered a passionate address urging student leaders to pursue excellence, discipline, innovation, and impactful leadership.

Drawing from his personal journey growing up in poverty in Mwala, Machakos County, Dr. Mutua narrated how a teacher recognized his academic potential and inspired him to pursue education, a decision he said transformed his life.

“As leaders in our different stations in life, we can impact other people every day. What do you do to make somebody’s life better?” Mutua posed.

He emphasized that leadership was fundamentally about inspiring others to dream bigger and become better versions of themselves.

“Leadership is about what you do — inspiring others to feel better, to dream more, to want to do more, and even to want to become like you,” he said.

Dr. Mutua also encouraged young leaders not to settle for mediocrity or victimhood, but to take initiative and pursue excellence in all areas of life.

“We will not change our situation by playing victim. We will change our situation by taking leadership and taking action,” he said.

He challenged the newly established institute to aspire to become one of the leading student leadership institutions in Africa through innovation, partnerships, mentorship, and global exposure.

USLA leadership described the launch of the institute as a historic step toward strengthening ethical leadership, governance, and civic engagement among university students in Kenya and across Africa.

According to information published by USLA, the association seeks to empower university students through leadership development, mentorship, policy engagement, innovation, governance training, and youth empowerment initiatives. The organization works with students and institutions to build a new generation of responsible and transformational leaders. USLA Kenya

The event concluded with the official launch of the Universities Student Leadership Institute, a vote of thanks, and renewed calls for young people to lead with integrity, courage, innovation, and a commitment to peace and national transformation.

Are you shaping more than grades?

The “Values, Character & Peacebuilding” category of the Great Places to School Initiative celebrates schools that intentionally nurture character, integrity, and self-discipline while building confident, values-driven learners. It recognizes institutions with strong leadership and governance that promote student voice and responsibility, and those using practical, experiential approaches to create safe, inclusive environments.

This category also highlights schools actively addressing issues such as bullying, online safety, and social divisions, while promoting dialogue, mediation, and effective conflict resolution. Learners are equipped with essential 21st-century skills—collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking—to become responsible citizens and peacebuilders.

🏆 Last year’s Edition: Brookshine Schools was position two (High School Category)

If your school is creating a culture of respect, leadership, and peace—this is your moment to shine.

Does your school stand out?
Nominate now: www.greatplacestoschool.com

⏳ Deadline: 31st May 2026
📩 [email protected]

📞 0715 497 859

🌱 TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES THROUGH CLIMATE ACTION 🌱

Global Peace Foundation Kenya in partnership with the Chandaria Foundation has successfully constructed the 22nd Chandaria Tree Nursery at St Peters Senior School Ndalu in Trans Nzoia County. This milestone marks the 22nd tree nursery established across 17 counties in Kenya under the Chandaria Tree Nursery Initiative.

The initiative is aimed at complementing the Presidential national clarion call of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, contributing towards environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable community development.

Following the successful submission and review of the project eligibility checklist by the school, the project contractors, Mr. Murila Isumba and Mr. Victor Cheruiyot, conducted a site assessment visit on 15th April 2026. The visit sought to engage the school administration led by Chief Principal Mrs. Biliah Rinah Lichuma and assess the suitability of the site, including availability of water, electricity, and other critical infrastructure required for the establishment of the nursery. Both objectives were successfully achieved, leading to the approval of the installation by the Chandaria Foundation.

Installation works officially commenced on 23rd April 2026 and proceeded successfully over an eight-day period. The activities included preparation of potting mixtures, construction of the nursery structure, installation of irrigation systems, and sowing of various tree species.

The project was implemented with the active support of Mr. Protus Sikuku, who also serves as the school farm manager, alongside Mrs. Marion, the Environment Club Patron. Their leadership greatly facilitated coordination between the project team and the school community. Students also actively participated in the exercise, gaining practical environmental conservation skills and strengthening their commitment to climate action.

FORMER BOTSWANA PRESIDENT MASISI CALLS FOR STRUCTURAL REFORMS TO ADVANCE YOUTH AND GENDER EQUALITY

A high-level dialogue on youth leadership and gender equality brought together policymakers, development partners, civil society leaders and youth advocates in Nairobi, with former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi urging African leaders to institutionalize inclusion and empower young people beyond symbolic representation.

The forum, themed “Youth Leadership as Drivers of Gender Equality in Kenya,” was convened by Club de Madrid in partnership with Nuru Trust Network and SDGs Kenya Forum under the WIDE Civic Engagement Initiative.

Masisi attended the meeting in his capacity as a representative of Club de Madrid, an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization established to promote democracy and democratic change globally. The organization is composed of 127 members from 74 countries, including Nobel Peace Prize laureates and former heads of state and government from around the world.

Speaking during the dialogue, Masisi said meaningful inclusion of women and youth can only be achieved through deliberate institutional reforms and political goodwill.

“Inclusion becomes meaningful when it is institutionalized,” Masisi said. “Political parties and public institutions must move beyond simply creating space for women and youth and instead share decision-making power, leadership opportunities and access to resources.”

The former Botswana leader, who served as the country’s fifth president from 2018 to 2024, highlighted reforms he implemented during his tenure, including appointing women to top leadership positions in government, the judiciary, law enforcement and diplomatic service.

He said Africa’s youthful population demands democratic systems that genuinely include young people and women in governance and policy-making processes.

“Africa is the best example because the overwhelming majority of our populations are young people,” he noted.

The event opened with calls for practical pathways to youth participation in governance. Representatives from Nuru Trust Network and SDGs Kenya Forum said young people continue to face systemic barriers in leadership, access to financing and participation in decision-making spaces.

Speaking on behalf of Nuru Trust Network, Yvonne Ododa said many young people, especially women, are expected to lead without being given equal access to opportunities and influence.

“Young people, especially women, must not only be invited into the room but trusted with influence, resources and leadership,” she said.

SDGs Kenya Forum representative Florence Syevuo emphasized that gender equality remains central to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, which focuses on eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal participation in political and economic decision-making.

She noted that over 75 percent of Kenya’s population is under the age of 35, making youth engagement critical to the country’s future.

The European Union also reaffirmed its support for youth and gender inclusion initiatives in Kenya.

Christina Barrios, Head of Political Section at the EU Delegation to Kenya, said youth leadership and gender equality are not only democratic values but strategic interests for both Kenya and the European Union.

Barrios highlighted challenges facing women in politics, including the high cost of elections, online abuse and reputational risks faced by female candidates.

“We are already seeing change and dynamism, but women leaders still face additional costs when running for office,” she said.

Kenya’s Special Advisor to the President on Women’s Rights, Harriette Chiggai, said the conversation on gender equality must now move beyond representation to economic empowerment and meaningful influence.

“We have overemphasized equality conversations until the plane took off and we missed creating the balance where it is supposed to be,” Chiggai said.

She identified economic exclusion, political gatekeeping and technology-facilitated gender-based violence as major challenges affecting young women in Kenya.

Chiggai also pointed to ongoing efforts by government to increase women’s representation in leadership positions and expand mentorship initiatives targeting young people.

UN Women Kenya Representative Antonia N’gabala Sodonon criticized the slow implementation of Kenya’s gender laws despite the country having one of the strongest legal frameworks in the region.

“The problem is not the content. The problem is political,” she said, referring to the continued failure to fully implement the two-thirds gender rule.

She argued that non-compliance with gender inclusion laws has persisted because there are few consequences for political institutions that ignore constitutional requirements.

The dialogue also explored the role of political parties, campaign financing, mentorship and media visibility in advancing women’s leadership.

UNDP Kenya Deputy Resident Representative Madalena Monoja stressed the need for economic empowerment, leadership training and mentorship opportunities for young women seeking leadership positions.

Meanwhile, National Youth Council CEO Gloria Wawire said structured youth engagement and capacity building are essential in preparing young people for leadership roles.

“Our mandate is to amplify youth voices,” she said. “Young women should not only be at the table but should also be making decisions.”

Also present at the meeting was Daniel Juma Omondi, the Africa Regional Representative of Global Peace Foundation. Following the forum, Omondi held a one-on-one discussion with Masisi where the two explored youth leadership development, governance and Africa’s democratic future.

During the discussion, Omondi highlighted the Global Peace Foundation’s Africa Renaissance Initiative and the President’s Fellowship youth mentorship programs, which seek to nurture ethical leadership, civic responsibility and transformational leadership among young Africans.

The meeting underscored the growing importance of cross-continental partnerships in empowering Africa’s youth and promoting inclusive governance frameworks.

Participants at the forum also raised concerns about political tokenism, online harassment against women leaders and the failure to fully enforce gender-related constitutional provisions.

The event concluded with calls for stronger accountability mechanisms, increased funding for youth and women leadership programs and broader collaboration between governments, civil society and development partners to ensure meaningful inclusion.

Happy from us at

🌍✨ Global Peace Foundation Kenya – President’s Fellowship | Chandaria Legacy Award ✨🌍

📢 Topic 4: Conflict Risk Analysis Training

Join us for an engaging and insightful training session focused on understanding and addressing conflict risks in our communities and institutions.

🗓️ Date: 8th May 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
💻 Mode: Zoom
🎤 Facilitator:
Mr. Vincent Ayako
Youth Leadership and Environment Program Manager

🔗 Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82783187832?pwd=0PJyFcB3eoYNEnlivmJuTzK7I158tX.1

Together, let us strengthen youth leadership, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention for a more cohesive society.

YouthLeadership GPFKenya

🏫 Call for Nominations: 6th Edition of the Great Places to School Awards

Do you know a school that’s truly shaping futures—not just teaching lessons?

The 6th Edition of the Great Places to School Awards is now open for nominations! This is your chance to spotlight schools that are going above and beyond to inspire, nurture, and transform the lives of learners.

✨ Why nominate?
Give deserving schools the recognition they’ve earned and place them on a national platform for excellence.

🏆 Schools are recognized across key categories:
✅ Moral & Innovative School Leadership
✅ Values, Character & Peacebuilding
✅ School Safety, Health & Sanitation
✅ Career Development & Workforce Readiness
✅ Technology & Digital Skills (STEM)
✅ Extra-Curricular Activities
✅ Global Competence
✅ Climate Action
✅ Equity & Inclusion
✅ Scholarship & Corporate Social Responsibility

Deadline: 31 May 2026
🔗 Nominate a school today: https://www.greatplacestoschool.com

📞 +254 715 497859
📧 [email protected]

Be part of celebrating schools that are redefining education and building a better future for every learner.

Are you shaping more than grades?

The “Values, Character & Peacebuilding” category of the Great Places to School Initiative celebrates schools that intentionally nurture character, integrity, and self-discipline while building confident, values-driven learners. It recognizes institutions with strong leadership and governance that promote student voice and responsibility, and those using practical, experiential approaches to create safe, inclusive environments.

This category also highlights schools actively addressing issues such as bullying, online safety, and social divisions, while promoting dialogue, mediation, and effective conflict resolution. Learners are equipped with essential 21st-century skills—collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking—to become responsible citizens and peacebuilders.

🏆 Last year’s winner: Crawford International School (High School Category)

If your school is creating a culture of respect, leadership, and peace—this is your moment to shine.

Does your school stand out?
Nominate now: www.greatplacestoschool.com

⏳ Deadline: 31st May 2026
📩 [email protected]

📞 0715 497 859

Is Your School Leading Beyond the Classroom?

Last year, Dreams Hill School earned 3rd place in the Moral & Innovative School Leadership (Primary) category — setting a powerful example of holistic education.

This category recognizes schools that go the extra mile to nurture not only academic excellence, but also the overall well-being of their learners and wider community.

Does your school stand out?

Nominate today: www.greatplacestoschool.com

⏳ Deadline: 31st May 2026

📩 [email protected]
📞 0715 497 859

Is Your School Leading Beyond the Classroom?

Last year, Kigwa Ridge School was awarded position two in the Moral & Innovative School Leadership (Primary) category — setting the standard for holistic education.

This category celebrates schools that go the extra mile to nurture not just academics, but the overall well-being of their community.

Think your school stands out?
Nominate today at: www.greatplacestoschool.com

⏳ Deadline: 31st May 2026

📩 [email protected]
📞 0715 497 859

The Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF Kenya), led by Mr. Daniel Juma, Africa Regional Representative and Executive Director, today held its second strategic engagement with the KCA University Foundation, led by Mr. Roggers Abong'o Executive Director KCA University Foundation. The meeting focused on advancing a transformative partnership aimed at strengthening workforce readiness, digital skills, youth leadership, mentorship and coaching, and character development among university students.

Key highlights from the engagement included:

1. Collaboration with Oracle Academy (the CSR arm of Oracle) to equip ICT educators and students with cutting-edge competencies in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing, thereby enhancing digital capacity within the institution.
2. Integration of KCA University students into the President’s Fellowship Chandaria Legacy Award Program, designed to nurture leadership, integrity, and community transformation among young leaders.
3. Rollout of the Buy Kenya Initiative (BuyKenya.org & BuyKenya.biz) to promote entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and job creation, positioning students as innovators and contributors to local economic growth.
4. The partnership further seeks to institutionalize mandatory workforce readiness certification, ensuring that graduates are not only academically qualified but also industry-ready, innovative, and values-driven.

Guided by a shared vision of transforming education in the Global South, this collaboration aims to empower young people to become job creators, problem solvers, and ethical leaders in an increasingly AI-driven world.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Vincent Ayako (Youth Leadership and Environment Program Manager, GPF Kenya), Ms. Maureen Kemunto (Education and Peacebuilding Program Manager), Mr. Vincent Omondi (Buy Kenya), Mr. Jevans Omonge (Executive Director, BuyKenya.org), Ms. Deborah Mbula (Tutorial Fellow, School of Technology), Ms. Gloria Makena (Communications Intern, KCA University Foundation), Mr. Duncan Ouma (Assistant Director, Development and Investment), and Dr. Jane Njiru (Director, Partnership and Collaboration.