Kenyan women join first African political leadership academy

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Three Kenyan women are among 40 inaugural fellows selected from 1,300 applicants for Africa's first women political leadership academy in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Kenyan cohort comprises East African Legislative Assembly MP Falhada Iman Dekow, Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule and Brenda Michira, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, commissioner for oaths and research and policy analyst at Parliament.

The month-long fellowship, which began on Monday in Kigali, will run until August 28. It has brought together women leaders from 28 African countries, including retired heads of state, ministers, parliamentarians, governors, deputy governors, mayors, and senior political party leaders.

The academy is a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission, the African School of Governance, and the African Women Leaders Network.

It was established this year to prepare more women to successfully compete for, attain and excel in political leadership positions amid the continued underrepresentation of women in governance across Africa.

More than 1,300 women from across the continent applied for the inaugural fellowship, but only 40 were selected.

For Kenya, the selection carries added significance with the inclusion of Falhada Iman Dekow, whose rise from Garissa county to continental leadership platforms is being hailed as a powerful example of breaking barriers that continue to hinder women from pastoralist communities.

In many pastoralist societies, women still contend with entrenched cultural norms, limited educational opportunities and social barriers that have historically restricted their participation in leadership and decision-making.

Speaking to the Star from Kigali, Falhada described the fellowship as both a personal honour and a victory for women from marginalised communities.

"I am truly honoured to be part of the African Academy for Women in Political Leadership. As a Kenyan woman from Garissa and a member of a pastoralist community, this opportunity carries immense personal and symbolic significance," she said.

She said the fellowship sends a powerful message that a person's background should never determine the limits of their ambition.

"My participation is a reminder that where a girl comes from should never determine how far she can go. I hope it inspires young girls across Garissa, the North Eastern region and other marginalised communities to dream boldly, believe in their abilities, and pursue leadership without fear," she said.

Falhada said she views the fellowship not merely as an individual achievement but as an opportunity to champion inclusive and transformative leadership across Africa.

"This opportunity is more than a personal achievement. It is a commitment to strengthening inclusive, ethical and transformative leadership across Africa,” she said.

“I look forward to learning from an exceptional network of women leaders, sharing experiences and building partnerships that will help advance women's political participation and democratic governance."

The former nominated senator, who has consistently championed youth empowerment programmes, thanked those who have supported her leadership journey, saying the recognition comes with an even greater responsibility.

"I am grateful to everyone who has believed in my leadership journey. This is just the beginning of an even greater responsibility to serve, inspire and create opportunities for the next generation of women leaders across Africa," she said.

Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule welcomed the initiative, saying Africa needs more structured programmes to prepare women for elective politics.

She said the academy would sharpen leadership skills while creating valuable continental networks that are critical for women seeking political office.

"Such initiatives can strengthen the participation of women seeking elective positions by providing world-class leadership training while creating networks that enable women leaders to learn from one another and support each other's political journeys," she said.

The African Academy for Women in Political Leadership was established to address the persistent underrepresentation of women in political leadership despite progress made by several African countries in advancing gender equality.

Beyond classroom learning, the fellowship equips participants with practical political leadership skills, campaign strategies, governance expertise and policy-making knowledge.

It also builds a strong continental network of women leaders capable of supporting one another long after the programme ends.

The academy targets women serving in elected or appointed political office, those preparing to contest parliamentary, governor, presidential and local government elections, emerging political leaders aged between 21 and 35, as well as senior political party officials and campaign strategists.

Applicants must be citizens of African Union member states and are generally required to secure endorsements from recognised institutions, including political parties, government agencies, or civil society organisations.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The selection of three Kenyan women for the inaugural African Academy for Women in Political Leadership reflects growing recognition of the country's female leaders while highlighting the long road to gender parity in politics.

With women still underrepresented in elective and appointive positions across Africa, initiatives that provide leadership training, mentorship, and continental networks could help build a stronger pipeline of future leaders.

The inclusion of leaders from different backgrounds, particularly Falhada Iman Dekow from Garissa, also underscores the importance of expanding opportunities beyond traditional political centres. Ultimately, sustained progress will depend on dismantling structural, cultural, and financial barriers that limit women's political participation.