US Embassy in Kenya.The United States Embassy in Nairobi has announced 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 an opportunity to engage in rigorous academic and leadership development at prestigious American colleges and leadership institutes between June 18 and July 29, 2025.
“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 Carla Benini, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission.
“The United States remains committed to empowering the next generation of Kenyan leaders, whether in business, civil society, or public service.”
She added that six decades of U.S.-Kenya relations have been built around such opportunities for citizens of both nations to learn from one another.
This year, the 2025 MWF program will bring together 650 of Africa’s brightest young leaders.
In a press statement issued on June 16, 2025, the U.S. Embassy noted that the Mandela Washington Fellows are established professionals who reflect Kenya’s exceptional depth and range of talent, including journalists, novelists, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
They hail from all regions of Kenya, including Turkana, Kisii, Laikipia, Nairobi, Isiolo, Mombasa, and Kiambu and share a common passion for building stronger communities.
“The selected fellows are divided into three tracks: business leadership, civic leadership, and public management,” the U.S. Embassy stated.
Fellows from across Africa will collaborate to gain new skills and share expertise aimed at improving their communities.
Kenyan and Nigerian fellows make up the largest cohorts, but young leaders from across the continent will also participate in the program.
This year’s MWF participants will engage in academic coursework, leadership training, and networking opportunities, forming lasting connections that will 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 taken part in exchange programs organised through the Embassy.
The alumni network offers access to mentorship, funding, and ongoing collaboration with the embassy, supporting the fellows’ continued leadership development and community impact.
