'Speaking as One Voice'
Grassroots leader represents Kenya in Leadership Forum.
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| Gideon Kubai, standing next to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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"I am a grassroots leader," said Gideon Kubai, a 28-year-old Kenyan from Maai Mahiu in Naivasha, when he was nominated by the American Embassy in Kenya to attend the annual International Visitor Leadership Program.
Gideon was one of 12 individuals who participated in the three-week program in the United States. The participants came from Kenya, Botswana, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda and represented a spectrum of professions, including government, business, civil society, journalism, and education.
Gideon founded local non-governmental organization (NGO) Vijana Na Mageuzi, which means "youth for change," after realizing there was a severe lack of youth leadership in his constituency. His vision was to use the organization to inspire youth participation in Kenya's National Reform Process and strengthen transformative youth leadership and engagement in civil rights.
Acknowledging the assistance he received from USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), Gideon said, "OTI has helped Vijana Na Mageuzi create a platform where the youth from Maai Mahiu can advocate for issues affecting them and rally together to find solutions."
During their sojourn to the United States, the group learned about principles of transparency in government and tools used to combat corruption, including separation of powers, checks and balances, and public access to education. The participants also explored the role that private citizens, grassroots organizations, the media, and civic education play in fostering a more ethical, accountable, and responsive government.
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"Transparency and governance in the U.S. is great; there is a stark contrast between Kenya and the U.S. The public are involved in all steps of decision-making; thus, they own the process."
—Gideon Kubai
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Gideon's grassroots work with youth enhanced the level of discussions held in local government offices in the United States.
Upon his return to Kenya, Gideon said, "The program was very enlightening. I can now say I am more knowledgeable: I have learned new ways to tackle issues that affect the youth and how to create systems that ensure checks and balances using American institutions as a comparative study. I plan to contact local youth NGOs so we can unite our efforts and create a united front for the youth in Kenya to speak as one voice."
Last year, Maurice Olungah, another OTI grantee, also participated in the leadership forum. Maurice was recognized for his exemplary work with youth from Siaya County as they pushed for reforms under the auspices of the NGO Center for Education and Rural Development.
For further information, please contact:
Megan German, Program Manager - Kenya, 202-712-1997, mgerman@usaid.gov.
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