Kenya Science Leadership
Programme
Building Thought Leaders, Shaping Generations of Science Leaders.
A Flagship Project Of
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:
Read More →Meet The Founders
Dr. Annette Okoth
President
Dr. Becky Aloo
Vice President
Dr. Lucy Mandillah
Treasurer
Dr. Sabella Kiprono
Organizing Secretary
Dr. Shehu Shagari Awandu
Exexcutive Secretary
Recent Events
Strengthening Gender Inclusion in Research Among Academic Staff at African Universities Through Transformative Leadership
The Kenya Science Leadership team lead by Annette Okoth and Becky Aloo organized and hosted a session on 'Strengthening Gender Inclusion in Research in Academic Institutions in Africa' at the 2025 Sustainability Research & Innovation, Africa Satellite Event (SRI-ASE).
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.
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 JOOUST management and researchers.
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 | MMUST | Annette Okoth | Sabella Kiprono | Dr. Lucy Mandillah | University of Pretoria | Africa Science Leadership Programme | Dr. Puleng Makhoalibe | Oluwatosin Leshi
Our Mission
To create a lasting network of Science Leaders on the African continent, spanning across countries, institutions and disciplinary boundaries.
Our Vision
Building Thought Leaders, Shaping Generations of Science Leaders.
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.
Key Initiatives
We identify potential leaders and build them into thought leaders through the Creative Problem Solving (CPS) Process.
We mentor Science Leaders in Schools, Colleges, Universities and Organizations.
We connect Mentees to impact-driven Mentors
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 Programme
What the programme covers
- • Core elements of collective leadership
- • Creative and systems thinking
- • Effective problem solving
- • Maximizing collaborative impact
- • Advanced dialogue skills
- • Soft skills development
- • Social media influencing
- • Networking
- • Mentorship & self-branding
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.
Our Impact
Incepted in August 2024, our impact is already being felt across Kenya. This first edition of Ke-SLP was held in Nairobi, where 20 Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from 14 universities were trained.
In February 2025, we trained 23 ECRs at MMUST. The second edition is coming up in August 2025. Watch out for calls!
Benefits
What you stand to benefit
Identifies young academics/researchers with demonstrated leadership potential.
Supports application of acquired skills to initiatives relevant to business and research development.
Creates a network focused on providing lasting solutions to real life problems.
Advances a curriculum for leadership development utilized in diverse institutions.
