Community of Young
Africa Policy Leaders
A transformative fellowship empowering young Africans to drive systemic change through evidence-based policy, bold leadership, and continental solidarity.
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Grateful for the opportunity to do the second course. I am anticipating the actual community engagement in the field soon.
Wilberforce Oyuga
Cohort 2, Nairobi Fellow
Call for Submissions: iPolicy Journal, Volume I
iPolicy is the Imara Africa Fellowship’s publishing initiative, supporting rigorous and accessible writing on public policy and the public interest. We are inviting articles for the inaugural volume, published under the theme Reimagining Kenya: Youth Perspectives on Governance, Public Policy and National Transformation.
A strong article identifies a clearly defined public policy question and makes a defensible case about it: why the problem exists, who it affects, what the evidence shows, and what could reasonably be done differently.
The call is open to Imara Fellows, alumni and any young Kenyan willing to engage seriously with these questions. You do not need to have published before. Where a submission shows promise, our editors will work with the author to sharpen the argument before any decision is made. If you would rather test an idea first, send a pitch of up to 150 words by 7 September for written feedback.
Length 1,500 to 2,500 words, excluding references
Referencing APA 7th Edition
Optional pitch 7 September 2026
Submissions close 30 September 2026
Publication and launch 30 October 2026, at the Imara Ideas & Policy Forum
Awards Articles judged exceptional by the editorial board are eligible for cash awards of up to KES 275,000
Send your article to ipolicy@imarafellowship.org with your name, contact details and a biography of up to 100 words. Read the full call for the writing requirements and the seven thematic areas.
Impact at a Glance
Every number represents a person, a policy, a community — a step toward a more equitable, well-governed Africa.
The Fellowship Program
Programs Component
The Imara Fellowship equips young leaders with transformative training, community engagement, policy advocacy, and mentorship, creating a comprehensive pathway for leadership excellence.
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.
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
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
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
Fellow Voices
Stories of transformation
The fellowship unveiled the potential in governance and policy work. Today, my research on youth climate activism influences adaptation policies, while my storytelling initiatives bring climate issues to the forefront
Gabriel Dinda
Imara Fellow
Imara showed me how art could drive governance conversations. Through audits and community forums, I’ve not only addressed health facility challenges but inspired youth to see governance as an integral part of daily life
Emmanuel Opiyo
Imara Fellow
Imara was my stepping stone to understanding governance and policy. It provided the tools I needed to advocate for better health services in Kericho County and mentor future healthcare professionals.”
Dr. Winrose Kirui:
Imara Fellow
“From a medical intern to a senior officer, the fellowship instilled leadership confidence and policy insight, enabling me to address institutional gaps and advocate for impactful changes in healthcare systems.”
Dr. Edwin Rono
Imara Fellow
Imara taught me to focus on root causes. This approach has redefined how I address public health challenges, shifting from advocacy to policy-driven solutions that create lasting impact.”
Emmie Adeche
Imara Fellow
“The Imara Fellowship empowered me to advocate for transparency in public resource use. Our community now enjoys projects like the Kudho ECDE center, which were once stalled. This is the power of informed leadership and accountability.”
Steve Wanda
Imara Fellow
The fellowship expanded my horizons, bridging the gap between my passion for agribusiness and impactful policy advocacy. It equipped me with tools to champion youth and women’s voices in the sector effectively
Wangari Kariuki
Imara Fellow
“The Imara Fellowship reshaped my perspective on governance. It wasn’t just about learning; it was about engaging with real-world policy challenges and making a tangible difference. I am now more confident engaging leaders, thanks to the skills I gained.”
Marvin Orengo:
Imara Fellow
Grateful for the opportunity to do the second course. I am anticipating the actual community engagement in the field soon.
Wilberforce Oyuga
Cohort 2, Nairobi Fellow
About Us
Imara Fellowship’s comprehensive approach to leadership development aims to create a new generation of African leaders who are not only well-versed in the theories of governance but are also equipped with practical experience and the confidence to engage in policy and community development. Through a blend of immersive training, flexible learning, real-world application, expert interaction, and scholarly publication, the fellowship cultivates leaders who are prepared to address the complex challenges facing their communities and countries. This holistic approach ensures that fellows are not only ready to take on leadership roles but are also committed to fostering inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance across Africa.
150+
Fellows Trained
5+
Policy Contributions
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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