Photo//Hembadoon Inyamkum, Communications Manager Leap Africa addressing the youth engament at Ibis Nairobi on 25th Feb
Nigerian leadership development organisation has intensified its East Africa expansion efforts, convening youth leaders and cross-sector stakeholders in Nairobi as part of a broader regional growth strategy.
The forum, held at Ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands under the theme “Whose Future Is It Anyway?”, brought together young leaders, policy analysts, technology professionals, civic actors, and development partners to interrogate the economic, civic, and social dynamics shaping opportunities for Kenya’s youth.
Consultation Before Intervention
Rather than launching pre-designed programs, LEAP Africa is anchoring its regional expansion on dialogue and partnership. Organisers said the Nairobi convening was structured to test assumptions, identify local priorities, and build relationships that will inform the organisation’s long-term strategy in East Africa.
Rethinking Economic Sustainability
Economic resilience featured prominently in the discussions, particularly the rapid growth of gig and short-term work models. Participants questioned whether these emerging employment pathways offer long-term stability.
Annmercy, an IT governance expert, argued that structural reform is needed. She noted that many businesses in sub-Saharan Africa struggle to survive beyond five years, raising concerns about the sustainability of enterprise models heavily reliant on short-term opportunities.
“We must ask whether we are building sustainable employment pathways or simply survival options,” she said, calling for systems that support enterprise resilience, growth, and durable job creation.
Youth Engagement and Democratic Participation
With Kenya approaching another election cycle, civic participation emerged as a key theme. Youth leader Benson Gachoki challenged narratives that frame declining youth voter turnout as apathy.
“When young people do not see their voices reflected in outcomes, they step back,” he said. “Strengthening democratic participation requires structures that allow young people to influence decisions in tangible and consistent ways.”
Participants emphasized that inclusive governance frameworks are essential to restoring trust and encouraging meaningful youth engagement.
Mental Health as a Leadership Imperative
Mental health and well-being also surfaced as critical pillars of sustainable leadership. Economic pressures, social expectations, and digital-era stressors were cited as factors affecting young people’s capacity to lead effectively.
Diana Ammabele, Director of Programs at LEAP Africa, underscored the organisation’s commitment to integrating well-being into its programming.
“Leadership cannot be strengthened without addressing well-being,” Ammabele said. “Sustainable impact demands both competence and human capacity.”
Building a Long-Term Regional Presence
The Nairobi forum signals LEAP Africa’s intent to establish a sustained presence in Kenya as part of its broader East African engagement. Insights gathered from the discussions are expected to shape the next phase of the organisation’s regional strategy and programming.
As the expansion drive continues, the message from Nairobi was clear: youth engagement must move beyond consultation toward structured partnerships capable of delivering measurable and lasting impact.