The 41 young Kenyan leaders selected for the 2025 fellows will have a chance to engage in rigorous academic and leadership development. .Photo from Mandela Washington Fellowship
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi announces the selection of 41 outstanding young Kenyan leaders for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) for Young African Leaders.
Through the United States’ Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the fellows will have a chance to engage in rigorous academic and leadership development at American colleges and leadership institutes between June 18 and July 29, 2025.
From journalists and novelists to scientists and entrepreneurs, the newest Mandela Washington Fellows are established professionals who showcase Kenya’s exceptional depth and range of talent.
They hail from all regions of Kenya, including Turkana, Kisii, Laikipia, Nairobi, Isiolo, Mombasa,
Kiambu, etc.
All share a passion for building stronger communities. The selected fellows are divided into three tracks: business leadership, civic leadership, and public management.
Fellows from across Africa will work together to gain skills and share their own expertise in improving their communities.
Kenyan and Nigerian fellows constitute the largest cohort from Africa, but young leaders from across the continent will join the program.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 41 of Kenya’s Mandela Washington Fellows. This program
is one of the most prestigious and impactful initiatives we support,” said Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Carla Benini.
“The United States remains committed to empowering the next generation of Kenyan leaders, whether in business, civil society, or public service. Six decades of U.S.-Kenya relations are built around these opportunities for our citizens to learn from each other. The Mandela Washington Fellowship builds lasting friendships that enhance the strength and prosperity of both nations.”
This year, the 2025 MWF program will bring together 650 of Africa’s brightest young leaders.
During their time in the United States, fellows will engage in academic coursework, leadership training
, and networking opportunities, forming connections that will continue to shape their leadership journeys.
Upon returning to Kenya, the fellows will join the U.S. Government Exchange Alumni network, which
includes more than 6,000 Kenyans who have participated in exchange programs organized through the
Embassy.
The alumni have access to networking, mentorship, and funding opportunities, and ongoing collaboration with the embassy, as they continue their leadership development and
contribute to their communities.
For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the Young African Leaders
Initiative, please visit www.yali.state.gov.
