IGAD Launches Leadership Academy in Mombasa to Nurture Future African Leaders

-
Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially launched the IGAD Leadership Academy with the inauguration of its first cohort’s leadership development training in Mombasa, Kenya. The initiative aims to equip young leaders with the skills and vision needed to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving, multi-cultural African society in the 21st century.
The IGAD Leadership Academy, established to mentor and develop future leaders, welcomed over 80 young professionals from IGAD member states, with 30 participants selected for the inaugural cohort after a competitive vetting process that saw over 2,000 applicants. The program is designed to foster leadership grounded in African values, resilience, and integrity.

Speaking at the inauguration, IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu expressed gratitude to the governments of Kenya, Sweden, and Japan for their unwavering support in bringing the Academy to life. “Through this Academy, we are nurturing a new generation of leaders, equipped with the knowledge, values, and vision needed to shape a more resilient and prosperous IGAD region, and contribute meaningfully to Africa and the world,” Dr. Gebeyehu said.

He challenged the participants to leverage their expertise to address the region’s pressing challenges. “You are not here accidentally. The vetting process was competitive. We expect you to use your expertise to help find solutions to the challenges facing our region and the continent at large,” he emphasized. Highlighting the region’s demographic, he added, “With youth making up 60% of our population, they are the engine of transformation, not just our future but our present.”

Ms. Yukie Mochizuki, speaking on behalf of the Embassy of Japan in Kenya, commended IGAD’s commitment to empowering youth and women. “Achieving lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa necessitates a long-term perspective, encompassing diverse stakeholders, and crucially, incorporating the voices and participation of women and youth,” she said. Ms. Mochizuki reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting the Academy, expressing hope that its graduates would drive significant contributions to peace and development in the IGAD region.

The IGAD Leadership Academy is poised to become a cornerstone for leadership development in the Horn of Africa, fostering a generation of leaders equipped to tackle regional and continental challenges with innovative solutions and a commitment to unity and progress.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

KRCS Marks 60 Years of Impact with Vulnerable Groups in Heartwarming World Red Cross Day Celebration

-
Image
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Mombasa Branch on Sunday hosted a vibrant and compassionate celebration of World Red Cross Day, dedicating the day to over 2,000 vulnerable children living with disabilities and senior citizens drawn from more than 20 special schools and charitable homes across the county. Image: Johnson Gachanja, chairman Redcross Mombasa county addressing the congregation in Mombasa. Held at Aga Khan Academy, this year’s commemoration marked 60 Years of Impact, aligning with the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s tribute to its founder, Sir Henry Dunant. The event spotlighted inclusion, dignity, and community service, true to Dunant’s legacy of humanitarianism. The festivities were filled with joy as children and elderly participants enjoyed games, performances, meals, snacks, goodie bags, and educational supplies—rare treats that left smiles and joy in their wake. Speaking during the event, KRCS Mombasa Branch Chairperson Johnson Gachanja emph...
Read more

Shimo La Tewa Old Boys Demand Principal’s Dismissal Over Alleged Mismanagement

-
Image
   Image;Shimo La Tewa, November 29, 2024 The Shimo La Tewa Old Boys Association (SOBA) has expressed deep disappointment in the management of their alma mater, calling for the immediate dismissal of the principal, Mr. Mathew Bindo Mutiso. During a press briefing earlier today, SOBA officials accused Mr. Mutiso of gross mismanagement and interference in ongoing investigations into his conduct. Speaking on behalf of SOBA, Dennis Ouna alleged that the principal has been using school resources to manipulate the outcome of investigations into his leadership. According to Ouna, Mr. Mutiso has compromised the Board of Management (BoM) and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), effectively turning them into rubber-stamp bodies. Ouna further claimed that the principal’s handpicking of BoM members undermines their ability to provide proper oversight, leaving the school in a precarious situation. Billy, another SOBA official, supported the allegations, accusing the principal of harassmen...
Read more

Islamic and Arabic Studies to Gain Ground in TVET Curriculum as Stakeholders Push for Recognition

-
Image
In a landmark move to integrate Islamic and Arabic languages into national vocational training, Sheikh Siraj Rahman College of Islamic Studies held a stakeholder meeting with TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) to chart the development of a curriculum for levels 3 to 6 — covering certificate and diploma programs. The meeting, which brought together educators, curriculum developers, and religious leaders, aimed to pave the way for the formal inclusion of Islamic Religious Education (IRE) and Arabic studies into the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. This is set to offer certified qualifications recognized by the Ministry of Education. Dr. Musa Shauri, Executive Director at Sheikh Siraj Rahman College, announced the formation of a 7-member committee tasked with spearheading the development of the curriculum. “The curriculum review process is set to begin in the next two days pending confirmation by the CEO of TV...
Read more