Obama's Leadership Program Holds Forum at Kenyatta University

The Young  African Leaders Initiative (YALI) on Thursday held a homecoming meeting at Kenyatta University.

Former US President Barack Obama founded YALI during his visit to Kenya in 2015. His signature stop in the country was an attempt to nurture the next African leaders. The program has nestled its regional leadership centers in Kenya, Ghana, Senegal and South Africa. 

YALI Alumni Kenya chairperson, Fred Tunya, said that the initiative comprises 14 countries in Africa. 

"YALI encompasses 14 countries in East, South and Central Africa," Tunya said. 

Mr Tunya said that the program seeks to tap into the potential of young people in Africa. He highlighted that their objective is to offer the youth the platform to improve their leadership skills. The Thursday event marked the alumnus homecoming from the first cohort in 2015. The program picks members from the 14 member states and must be aged 18-35. 

Once a member attains certification after extensive training they can apply for a fund. 

 "People travel from their countries to KU for training. After training and certification, one joins the Alumni body allowing them to apply for the fund," Fred Tunya said.  

The members undergo training in entrepreneurship, civil leadership and public management. Also, they can access Transformation Fund if they have a project that can benefit society. The program has an evaluation unit that ensures the selected projects are implemented correctly.