Kibabii University hosted the Nyanza-Western Region Student Leaders Fellowship, a two-day event held on 26th to 27th May, 2025. The fellowship was organized by the Universities and Colleges Students’ Peace Association of Kenya (UCSPAK), a student-led initiative that was formed 2015. Since its inception, UCSPAK steered by its CEO, Mr. Allan Chacha, operates with a vision to instill patriotism in student leaders and build their capacity to promote peace within Kenya’s academic institutions.
The fellowship, held under the auspices of the Dean of Students Dr. Leonida Makila brought together student leaders from 11 universities and colleges across the Nyanza and Western regions. Over the course of the event, participants engaged in deep conversations and training sessions aimed at nurturing transformational leadership, fostering peace, and equipping young leaders with practical skills for navigating Kenya’s dynamic socio-political landscape.
Mr. Leonard Cheserem, an Officer from the Kenya Revenue Authority delivered a session on budget-making processes at both national and county levels, addressing critical topics such as public debt, the Finance Bill, and their implications for national development. Other key sessions included capacity building on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, an exploration of Kenya’s evolving national security environment, and the increasing importance of digital peacebuilding and activism in youth-led initiatives. The young leaders also benefited from the insights Mr. Aswani Godwin Joseph, a certified trainer in the Alternative Justice System and an experienced mediator and educationist, shared practical approaches to conflict resolution.
Dr. Hassan Khannenje, a scholar and national values expert, challenged the delegates to reflect on patriotism and leadership integrity, offering strategies for embedding these principles in their leadership journeys.
The event was officially closed by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo, who lauded the student leaders for their commitment to positive change.
In closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor reminded that peace should never be taken for granted, especially in a country like Kenya that continues to enjoy relative stability amid regional challenges. He emphasized that true leadership lies in the ability to inspire and guide others through difficulties, not in the display of power. He further encouraged the young leaders to remain strategic and purposeful, urging them to strive for relevance in their communities, their country, and the world at large.
