Kenya Science Leadership Programme

Building Thought Leaders, Shaping Generations of Science Leaders

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Meet The Founders

President - Dr. Annette Okoth

Vice President - Dr. Becky Aloo

Executive Secretary - Dr. Shehu Shagari

Treasurer - Dr. Lucy Mandillah

Organizing Secretary - Dr. Saabella Kiprono

Meet The Team

Who Are We

The Ke-SLP is a career development and leadership initiative for Early-Career Scientists, Researchers & Corporate/Industry Leaders. It is a joint flagship project of the Africa Science Leadership Programme (ASLP) and three Kenyan Universities (University of Nairobi, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology and University of Eldoret).

It is aimed at developing excellent early to mid-career academics, researchers, and other leaders in the areas of Thought Leadership, Creative Problem Solving, Team Management, and Research Development, with the intention of enabling them to solve the complex issues facing Kenya, Africa, and the global community.

The Ke-SLP stems from the Africa Science Leadership Program (ASLP), which is part of the Future Africa initiative, spearheaded by the University of Pretoria in partnership with The Global Young Academy. The programme has been running for the last 10 years in South Africa. A few early to mid-career researchers from Kenya have benefited from the initiative, three of whom (Drs Annette Okoth (MMUST), Nkatha Kabira (UoN), and Carolyne Ngugi (KUTRH)) having been trained as facilitators. In a bid to expand the roots of ASLP to reach more beneficiaries in Africa and beyond, the Ke-SLP was birthed in August 2024.

Recent Events

Strengthening Gender Inclusion in Research Among Academic Staff at African Universities Through Transformative Leadership

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The Kenya Science Leadership team lead by Annette Okoth and Becky Aloo oganized and hosted a session on 'Strengthening Gender Inclusion in Research in Academic Institutions in Africa' at the 2025 Sustainability Research & Innovation, Africa Satelite Event (SRI-ASE). The event was hosted at the University of Nairobi from 4-6 June 2025. Also present were Constance Gikonyo and Bridget Mutuma from KE-SLP.

This session was part of broader efforts under the Kenya Science Leadership Program (Ke-SLP) to amplify the voices of women in science, foster inclusive research environments, and challenge structural barriers that limit gender equity in academia and research institutions across Africa.
The session brought together researchers, policymakers, youth and institutional leaders who shared inspiring practices, ongoing challenges, and bold recommendations for embedding gender responsiveness in research agendas, leadership, and capacity-building efforts.
It was energizing to see the commitment from various stakeholders towards transformative change that goes beyond parity—towards truly inclusive and equitable research ecosystems.

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Kisumu Ke-SLP

During the inception meeting for the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) funded project by Shehu Shagari Awandu, PhD (a KeSLP Alumnus) in Kisumu City, founders of the Kenya Science Leadership Programme (Ke-SLP) had a golden opportunity to pitch about the program to JARAMOGI OGINGA ODINGA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (JOOUST) management and researchers. The pitch was done by Annete Okoth of MMUST and Becky Aloo of University of Eldoret.

Slowly but surely, Ke-SLP is spreading its roots and spirit across Kenya. We welcome partnerships and collaborations to join us in this journey to transform the mindset of early career researchers in Kenya, to be creators of solutions facing Kenya, to make science and scientists work for Kenya.

Our mission: Science leadership in Kenya.

University of Eldoret | Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology | Annette Okoth | Sabella Kiprono | Dr. Lucy Mandillah | University of Pretoria | Africa Science Leadership Programme | Dr. Puleng Makhoalibe | Oluwatosin Leshi

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Our Vision

Building Thought Leaders, Shaping Generations of Science Leaders

Our Mission

To create a lasting network of Science Leaders on the African continent, spanning across countries, institutions and disciplinary boundaries.

What We Do

We recognize that leadership is not a position, but the legacy one leaves behind, the positive impact one has on the society. We demonstrate that, true leadership is a vital ingredient in driving the desired change. We empower generations for this kind of leadership.

Our Key Initiatives

1.We identify potential leaders and build them into thought leaders through the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Process.

2.We mentor Science Leaders in Schools, Colleges, Universities and Organizations.

3.We connect Mentees to impact-driven Mentors

4.We build workable networks with renowned leaders.

Our Model

Ke-SLP seeks to spread the Science Leadership initiative across Kenya, East Africa and beyond, so as to empower the many talented individuals within the region, to provide solutions to complex challenges facing humanity.

The programme uses a highly interactive approach to training, application of skills to a leadership initiative, peer support, and mentorship. The process involves an approach that cycles between theory, application and reflection. Participants are challenged to work collaboratively to design initiatives that advance a new paradigm for African science.

Our Model

Ke-SLP seeks to spread the Science Leadership initiative across Kenya, East Africa and beyond...

Our Program

Research Program

What The Program Covers

• Core elements of collective leadership.
• Creative and systems thinking; Effective problem solving and decision making.
• Maximizing the efficiency and impact of collaborative efforts.
• Advanced dialogue and communication skills.
• Soft skills development.
• Social media influencing.
• Networking.
• Mentorship and self-branding.

Scope, Impact & Benefits

Science Leadership Event

Our Scope

The Programme targets early to mid-career researchers from Universities, research institutions and managers/leaders from parastatals and prospective leaders across Kenya and beyond. This is with the view to building research and leadership capacities for real time and long-term impact.

Robotics and Coding

Our Impact

Incepted in August 2024, our impact is already being felt across Kenya. This first edition of Ke-SLP was held in Nairobi in August 2024, where 20 Early Career Researchers (ECRs) across disciplines, from fourteen universities and two research institutions in Kenya were trained. In February 2025, we organized and delivered a similar workshop at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), where 23 ECRs from the 11 schools were trained. The second edition of Ke-SLP is coming up in August 2025, and more institutional events on the way. Watch out for calls!

Robotics and Coding

What You Stand To Benefit

The programme:
➢ Identifies young academics/researchers/individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in developing key leadership skills.
➢ Supports them to apply the acquired skills to initiatives that are relevant to the academic/research/business development on the continent and its impact on society.
➢ Creates a network of academics, researchers and leaders that are focused on providing lasting solutions to real life problems.
➢ Advances a curriculum for academic/research/business leadership development, which can be utilized in diverse institutions in Africa and beyond.

Our Partners