Imara Fellowship

Building Africa's next
generation of policy leaders

About Imara

A programme born from collaboration

Imara Fellowship is a leadership development program aimed at empowering young Africans who are passionate about driving change in public service and community development.

The fellowship provides an immersive experience that combines rigorous residential training, community engagement and interactive online learning. Fellows engage in real-world projects that allow them to apply their skills and knowledge directly, preparing them to effectively navigate the complexities of policy and governance. Through its comprehensive approach, Imara Fellowship equips participants with the tools needed to become effective leaders in their communities.

The program emphasizes practical skills development in policy formulation, public finance, and community organizing. Through a collaborative environment, the fellowship encourages fellows to learn from each other and from seasoned mentors, building a strong network of like-minded individuals dedicated to positive societal impact. As a fully sponsored initiative, Imara Fellowship removes financial barriers to participation, making it accessible to all qualified young leaders. This inclusivity ensures a diverse cohort, bringing together a variety of perspectives that enrich the learning experience. The fellowship is committed to amplifying the voices of youth in governance, helping them build confidence and leadership capabilities essential for active participation in civic and public life across Africa.

01

Siasa Place

CSO

CSO focused on advocacy through education and capacity building, with targeted programme implementation.

02

Africa Youth Leadership Forum

Trust

Leadership trust working across East Africa, developing skills and values amongst young leaders.

03

Mark Appeal Group

Consultant

Social consultancy designing high-impact programmes through strategic alliances and creative collaboration.

150+

Fellows Trained

5+

Policy Contributions

50+

Public Participation Initiatives

30+

Governance Dialogues Held

Imara Fellowship Commitment

What drives everything we do

Imara Fellowship Mission

To develop African leaders who exemplify integrity, social empathy, creativity, and public participation, equipping them with the skills and capacity to serve in and transform Kenya’s public sector through meaningful public service.

Core Values

  • Integrity

    Upholding honesty and moral principles in leadership.

  • Social Empathy

    Prioritizing understanding and addressing societal needs.

  • Creativity

    Encouraging innovative approaches to public service challenges.

  • Public Participation

    Championing inclusive and collaborative governance.

  • Service

    Emphasizing public service as a core duty and responsibility of leadership.

Programme Components

Four interconnected pillars that build complete, confident policy leaders.

01
πŸ•οΈ

Public Lectures, Workshops, and Leadership Cafes

Imara Fellowship provides numerous opportunities for fellows to learn from and engage with leaders in various fields through public lectures, workshops, and leadership cafes.

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02
πŸ’»

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Imara Fellowship, with fellows participating in community engagement clinics across select counties. Here, participants actively identify pressing community issues, develop policy solutions, and present their proposals to county executives and assemblies. This hands-on approach not only hones their problem-solving and analytical skills but also provides real-world experience in… Continue reading Experiential Learning

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03
🀝

Interactive Online Learning Modules

To complement the in-person training, the fellowship offers flexible, interactive online learning modules. These courses, often from world-class universities, cover a broad range of topics essential to modern leadership, including policy analysis, governance frameworks, and strategic decision-making. This online component provides fellows with the flexibility to learn at their own pace while gaining access to… Continue reading Interactive Online Learning Modules

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04
🎀

Residential Academy

The Imara Fellowship begins with a Residential Academy, an intensive, in-person training program that immerses fellows in the core principles of leadership. This experience blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing participants to explore diverse leadership styles and approaches. The academy is designed to build foundational skills in policy formulation, governance, and civic engagement, fostering… Continue reading Residential Academy

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Alumni Leadership

Meet our Alumni Leadership Team

Fellows who have gone on to lead the Imara community and shape its next chapter.

Robbin Murimi Karani

Chairperson

BF

Brian Fidel

Vice Chairperson

Victor Tum

Secretary-General

Immaculate Anyokot

Endowment Fund Secretary

John Wabwire

Outreach Secretary

Cohort 9 β€” 2026
Excited to Join us?
Register for our next intake

At Imara Fellowship, we are committed to nurturing bold, visionary leaders who drive governance transformation and policy change. If you’re passionate about leadership, governance, and making a real impact, this is your place!

A call for applications is open for the 5th cohort fellowship now, and we can’t wait to welcome the next cohort of dynamic fellows.

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