Nairobi, Kenya — February 14, 2026
Global Peace Foundation Kenya, in partnership with The Young People Network International, Silikon Consulting Group LTD, and the Association of County Students Presidents–Kenya (ACSP-K), joined Ms. Charlene Ruto in celebrating the graduation of 79 young leaders from Kenya’s coastal counties under Cohort 17 of the Transformational Leadership Conversations (TLC) program.
The six-day immersive leadership experience, hosted at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), brought together youth leaders from across the Coast region for an intensive journey focused on self-mastery, inner governance, emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and community-centered transformation.
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Charlene Ruto: Leadership Begins with Courage and Responsibility
In a powerful and deeply reflective address, Ms. Charlene Ruto challenged the graduates to embrace leadership as a lifelong responsibility grounded in courage, service, and impact.
“The value of this experience will not be measured by the time you spent here, but by what you choose to do with what you have received,” she said. “What you have learned is not meant to be stored—it is meant to be applied, shared, and lived in service of others.”
She reminded participants that leadership does not require perfection or permission.
“Some of you may feel too young or unfinished, but leadership does not begin with confidence—it begins with courage. Leadership that lasts is not about making the table taller, but making it longer. It is about creating space for others even as you continue to grow.”
Ms. Ruto affirmed the personal transformation she witnessed throughout the week.
“I have seen leaders who arrived uncertain step forward with clarity and courage. You came here as participants, but I release you as leaders—not because of what you have completed, but because of what has been activated within you.”
Encouraging graduates to return to their communities with purpose, she emphasized that leadership is most needed in ordinary spaces—homes, schools, and neighborhoods—where daily choices shape lasting impact.
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Daniel Juma: Transformational Leadership Begins from Within
Delivering the keynote address, Daniel Juma Omondi, Africa Regional Representative of the Global Peace Foundation, emphasized that transformational leadership is rooted in inner discipline, character, and service to others.
“Leadership is not defined by position, popularity, or privilege,” he said. “It is defined by character, courage, and the willingness to serve even when no one is watching.”
He challenged the graduates to ensure that the transformation they experienced translates into visible action.
“The transformation you have experienced here must not remain within these walls—it must become visible in your choices, your communities, and your commitment to the common good.”
Mr. Juma reminded the young leaders of their responsibility in shaping Kenya’s future.
“You are not merely graduating as participants of a program. You are stepping forward as ambassadors of peace, integrity, and shared humanity. Africa does not lack talent—it requires leaders with the moral clarity to unite people, solve problems, and build societies where every person can thrive.”
He concluded by calling on the youth to choose responsibility over comfort and purpose over fear, noting that the future belongs to leaders who uplift others and restore hope.
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From Self-Discovery to Community Transformation
Throughout the program, participants engaged in deep self-reflection, leadership adventure activities, structured dialogues, and team-based exercises designed to strengthen collaboration and accountability.
A defining feature of TLC Cohort 17 was the emphasis on moving from individual ambition to collective responsibility. Participants publicly shared their personal “shift moments” and committed to concrete actions addressing challenges in their counties, including governance, education, mental health, peacebuilding, climate action, and youth empowerment.
The cohort concluded the program by signing a collective leadership commitment roadmap, signaling their readiness to move from learning to action.
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Building One Family Under God
Global Peace Foundation Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to investing in youth leadership as a cornerstone of national transformation. Programs such as TLC align with the Foundation’s mission of building a culture of peace rooted in shared values, ethical leadership, and the vision of One Family Under God.
As Cohort 17 joins a growing national network of transformational leaders, their graduation stands as a powerful symbol of hope for a future led by courageous, values-driven young leaders committed to unity, service, and peace.