Karatina University has successfully concluded the first cohort of the Africa Youth Leadership Transformation (AYLT) Programme, a year-long leadership development initiative implemented in partnership with the Africa Transformational Leadership (ATL) Foundation, South Africa. The programme, which ran from October 2025 to October 2026, sought to nurture a new generation of leaders equipped with integrity, purpose, resilience and the ability to inspire positive change in their organisations and communities.
The completion and graduation ceremony was held on Friday, 23rd October 2026, at the University Conference Hall. The event brought together the programme facilitator, the university management, Senate members, members of staff and students to celebrate the participants’ achievements.
A section of the audience during the cohort one graduation at the conference hall
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in a series of interconnected learning modules designed to strengthen their leadership capacity through personal reflection, practical exercises and collaborative learning. Key areas covered included the pillars of leadership, with emphasis on integrity, discovering personal purpose, forgiveness, resilience, ethical use of power, mental wellbeing and the importance of taking a stand.
The training also explored the role of vision and intentional action in shaping the future, as well as the importance of strengthening human connections and leveraging the power of community to achieve shared goals.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Finance and Administration Prof. Richard Kiai addressing the audience
A key emphasis throughout the programme was that leadership extends beyond occupying positions of authority. Rather, it is demonstrated through the values individuals uphold, the choices they make and their ability to influence others positively.
The programme fostered a community of emerging leaders who developed a deeper understanding of their personal values, strengthened their confidence and acquired practical tools for navigating leadership challenges. It also provided opportunities for peer learning, experience sharing and the development of lasting support networks
Mr. Daniel Kamanga the CEO Africa Leadership Transformation addressing the audience at the AYLT graduation ceremony and onboarding of the second Cohort.
Speaking during the ceremony, participants had an opportunity to reflect on their learning experiences and commit to applying the knowledge and skills acquired in their respective organisations and communities.
Students keenly following through the presentations
The occasion also marked the official launch of Cohort Two of the Africa Youth Leadership Transformation Programme, signalling the University’s continued commitment to nurturing values-driven leadership and empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to society.
Through this partnership, Karatina University continues to strengthen its role in developing responsible, purpose-driven leaders who can respond to contemporary challenges and contribute to sustainable transformation.
The group poses for a group photo