Obama to host 46 Kenyan youth at leadership meet
US President Barack Obama speaks during an event for the Council on Women and Girls in the East Room of the White House on January 22, 2014 in Washington, DC. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- President Obama announced the Washington Fellowship at a Town Hall with young African leaders on June 29, 2013 in Soweto, South Africa.
- On July 28-30, they will participate in a Presidential Summit for the Fellows convened by President Obama in Washington, D.C.
- One hundred of the Fellows will stay on to participate in internships in the United States.
A team of 46 Kenyans have been selected to take part in the first ever Young African Leadership Initiative Washington Fellowship.
The group that was selected from over 5,000 Kenyan applicants, will travel with over 450 other young African leaders for a six-week program and later a conference in Washington, DC hosted by President Obama.
US Ambassador Robert F. Godec said: “I would like to congratulate our first group of 46 young Kenyan leaders, who will represent the extraordinary talent of Kenya’s youth.
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“We are excited to bring these young leaders to the United States, but more importantly are excited about the energy, creativity, and drive they will bring back to Kenya after the Fellowship.”
The Kenyan participants represent a diverse group of leaders already making important contributions to Kenya in business and entrepreneurship, public management, and civic leadership.
“This is only the first year of this important initiative for our government in Africa. I encourage all unsuccessful applicants to reapply next year and also to consider other US educational and professional exchange programs, which can be found on our website,” a statement from the envoy said.
Participants are expected to leave for Washington in mid-June and return in August.
President Obama announced the Washington Fellowship at a Town Hall with young African leaders on June 29, 2013 in Soweto, South Africa.
