Kibabii University hosted the 2nd Edition of the Usawa Festival and Imarisha Usawa Programme from 26th to 28th June 2026, bringing together government leaders, development partners, academia, students, schools, and community organizations to advance gender equality, youth empowerment, leadership, and sustainable development. Held under the theme “Power to Lead, the Right to Justice,” the festival provided a platform for dialogue, mentorship, sports, and innovation, reaffirming the role of universities in driving social transformation and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The festival was organized through a partnership between Kibabii University, UNESCO Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross Society Bungoma Branch, LifeCare Hospital Bungoma, the County Government of Bungoma, and the Department of Culture, Gender and Sports. The event was officially graced by the Deputy Governor of Bungoma County, Her Excellency Pastor Jennifer Mbatiany. She commended the organizers for creating a platform that empowers young people while promoting gender equality, education, justice, and community development. Also present were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Joshua Ogendo, representing the Vice Chancellor; Mr. Brian Wanyonyi, representing the County Government of Bungoma; Ms. Sella Kombo, Bungoma County Youth Representative and other development partners.
In his remarks, Prof. Ogendo reaffirmed Kibabii University’s commitment to holistic education, highlighting the University’s achievements in innovation, Artificial Intelligence applications in reproductive health, and participation in continental hackathon programmes.
The Usawa Initiative has grown into one of Kenya’s leading youth empowerment platforms, using sports, particularly basketball, to promote leadership, education, gender equality, and community engagement. Through its flagship Imarisha Usawa Programme, the initiative equips young people with mentorship, life skills, and leadership opportunities while advancing several Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking during the opening session, Ms. Evelyn Mumo outlined the festival’s vision of empowering communities to identify their challenges and develop sustainable solutions. She noted that the initiative promotes women’s empowerment, addresses Gender-Based Violence (GBV), encourages the involvement of boys and men in gender equality, and uses sports as a tool for social transformation. Olympian and Kibabii University Alumnus Faith Ogallo encouraged students to embrace co-curricular activities as avenues for talent development, leadership, and personal growth.
The festival also featured presentations by the Vice President of the Kenya Basketball Federation Mr. Donald Liruh, who emphasized the role of sports in promoting discipline, education, and leadership, as well as contributions from Mr. Anthony Khisa, Ms. Melita Namasika, Ms. Christine Sunguti (NGEC), Ms. Caren Nasimiyu, and Ms. Nangami Masaha, who addressed youth empowerment, gender equality, inclusive development, and leadership communication. Participants were inspired by testimonies from Joyline Nasibo and Esther Asichani, who shared how the Imarisha Usawa Programme had positively shaped their lives through mentorship and leadership development. The festival also attracted participation from several secondary schools across Bungoma County, strengthening collaboration between educational institutions and community stakeholders.
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