After all, Proverbs 8 did tell us that counsel, sound judgement and insight are powerful tools to be used by kings and leaders to govern and rule.

Today we’re looking at 7 female African leaders that have led massive economies. These African female Heads of States are among many, known and unknown, remembered and forgotten, who came before them. I mean, we’ve all heard of fearless African warriors who led their communities valiantly.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2017/08/07/lived-in-the-streets-but-it-did-not-break-me-it-made-me-fearless-jackie-bomboma/

1. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia

Sahle-Work Zewde is known to many as a well-seasoned diplomat. She took the presidential office in 2018 after being unanimously elected by members of the National Parliamentary Assembly.

Prior to assuming her President role, she served as an ambassador for Ethiopia in Senegal, Djibouti and France. She worked as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA).

She was also the Director-General for African Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. In 2011, Zewde was appointed to the position of Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. President Sahle-Work Zewde also served as the UN representative at the African Union.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/02/16/the-7-pillars-of-good-governanceleadership/

2. Prime Minister Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda, Gabon

Rose Christiane Ossouka Raponda, the Prime Minister of Gabon was born in 1964 in Libreville. She is an economist by training. Don’t you love economists? I adore them. These breed can accelerate GDP rates like the Kenyan athletes do the marathons if they want to.

She received a degree in economics and public finance from the Gabonese Institute of Economy and Finance. She has served Gabon for decades.

Raponda has worked as Director General of the Economy and Deputy Director General in the Housing Bank of Gabon, as Budget Minister and was the elected Mayor of the capital city Libreville representing the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party.

She also became President of United Cities and Local Governments Africa and played a vital role in Africa’s peace and security. Talking about an African warrior, Raponda also served as her country’s Defense Minister.

3. Prime Minister Dogbé Tomegah, Togo

Victoire Sidémého Dzidudu Dogbé Tomegah, the Prime Minister of Togo is a respected and experienced politician. Prior to her position, she worked at the United Nations Development Programme and also served as the Cabinet Director to the President of Togo.

Tomegah Dogbé was also the Minister of Grassroots Development, Youth Craft and Youth Employment.

4. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a Liberian politician who served as the 24th President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She studied at Madison Business College and Harvard University.

She was the Deputy Minister of Finance, worked for the World Bank in the Caribbean and Latin America and worked for Citibank and then the Equator Bank. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won the 2005 presidential election and was re-elected in 2011. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, in recognition of her efforts to bring women into the peacekeeping process. She has received numerous other awards for her leadership.

Is it just me or does she eminate a Wangari Maathai vibe?

5. Samia Suluhu Hassan

She is the current Tanzanian president after assuming office upon the death of president John Pombe Magufuli in 2020.

She previously served as the Vice president of Tanzania, the Member of Parliament for Makunduchi and was the Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office for Union Affairs. She also served as a minister in the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar during President Amani Karume’s administration.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2016/04/30/i-might-be-small-but-mighty-defines-my-dedication-to-mama-africa-roman-girma-teshome/

6. Joyce Hilda Banda, President of Malawi (2012-2014)

Joyce Hilda Banda served as the President of Malawi from 2012 to 2014 after taking over the office following the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Before becoming the President of Malawi, she served as the Member of the Parliament, Minister of Gender and Child Welfare and as a foreign Minister. In 2014, Forbes named her as the 40^th powerful woman in the world and the most powerful woman in Africa.

7. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of Mauritius (2015 – 2018)

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, a biodiversity scientist served as the President of Mauritius from 2015-2018. She opened her own science center known as CIDP Research & Innovation where she is the Managing Director.

There are many other indomitable and fearless female African leaders who are daringly transforming their respective African countries. The contribution of women to what Africa is today is unquestionable.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/19/self-management-8-different-aspects-by-the-experts/

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Good governance ensures government policies are implemented through planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling operations.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/19/self-management-8-different-aspects-by-the-experts/

Top 7 Pillars of Good Governance

1. Leaders must be open and transparent: They need accountability in government activities through ethical decision-making, equal representation and responsibility.
2. The citizenry must always be informed through a conducive environment and adequate public involvement.
3. The Rule of Law must be obeyed: Representation, participation and adherence of the rule of law is and should be non-negotiable.
4. Leaders must be responsive through efficiency and effectiveness to deter corruptible and unethical behavior in governance.
5. Leaders must embrace and perform their set obligations and responsibilities that promote integrity and public interest, advance justice, and seek growth.
6. Leaders must be competent and have capacity in representation of the people’s will. Without people, the government has no power.
7. Leaders must flow with the times through innovation and openness to change.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/02/02/7-skills-on-how-to-resolve-conflict-5-on-how-not-to/

It is fundamental for leaders to adopt good governance practices in order to preserve and strengthen the citizenry’s confidence and to provide the foundation for a high-performing administration.

The post The 7 Pillars of Good Governance|Leadership appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

The avocado has always been venerated by many households in Africa. My high school biology teacher used to assert that to get that potassium, those juicy monounsaturated fats, high sources of fiber, folate and vitamins for days, we need to munch those kienyeji avocados daily.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/10/7-riveting-aspects-of-the-maasai-culture/

Eating avocados in some Kenyan settings is still considered a hobby and a party activity. I remember the good old days where we would sprinkle some salt on that fatty avocado, put it in our githeri, blend and mask our faces as we watched Poppy and Simba the dogs fight for their share.

Before I get the side eye from those of you who abhor the avocado, please remember junk is in the eyes of the beholder- some look, but the kienyeji avocado of old lovers see and enjoy.

But just what is happening to the kienyeji avocado of old? I am forced to invest a lot of time just looking for them. All I find is the modern lazy avocado. The kienyeji avocado of old has now become a diamond. I kid you not. We must search and tramp long distances looking for it! This, I fume, is not acceptable.

The kienyeji avocado of old Vs the modern lazy avocado

The kienyeji Avocado of old is naturally fatty and nutritious as is its wild counterparts while the new lazy avocados that have flooded the market lack the natural fat.

The kienyeji Avocado of old has a seed that can be planted or crashed for medicinal powder. You never know with the new lazy avocados in the market- they are indecisive of their shape and form. Sometimes you get enormous seeds with 10 percent flesh, bitter flesh, rotten internally but green on the outside and so on and so forth.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/10/7-breathtaking-truths-about-kenyas-landscape/

The kienyeji Avocado of old are small or big and round, fibrous, large-curved, and capitulate nutrition in all its forms. That taste we all know and love. The new lazy avocados can’t decide if they’re humongous, hormonal, bitter or slender.

The kienyeji Avocado of old are free of pesticides and chemical additives.

The kienyeji Avocado of old are loved by dogs while dogs snobbishly sniff at the new lazy avocados, wag their tails in protest and go about their business.

Read More: https://afrikanexcellence.thelovetablet.com/2023/01/12/the-bottom-up-economic-model-how-does-it-compare-to-the-top-down-economic-model/

Dear farmers, it may cost you in terms time and resources. It may seem off putting cultivating the kienyeji Avocado of old but it’s the best long term investment you can make for both your health and ours, your descendants and the health of the planet. #BringBackTheKienyejiAvocadoOfOld

Read More: https://thelovetablet.com/2023/02/07/success-is-an-acquired-taste-of-faith-you-want-it-acquire-some-faith/

The post <strong>5 Reasons Farmers Must Bring Back The Golden Kienyeji Avocado Of Old</strong> appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

• A bottom-up model concentrates on distribution of wealth to the community and individuals.
• Which one is better, the top-down model or bottom-up approach?

His excellency, Kenya’s President Dr. William Ruto unveiled the bottom-up economic model also known locally as the “hustler economic model” as his manifesto during his campaigns in 2021. He said the bottom-up approach would promote investments made by ordinary Kenyan citizens- financially empowering them while spurring the Kenyan economy through tax generation.

Generally, the bottom-up economic model focuses on specific micro attributes of promoting financial investments and instruments that target unemployment, SMEs and entrepreneurs. The concentration being on business-by-business or sector-by-sector.

The Top-down economic model on the other hand is commonly associated with macroeconomics. The model looks at the biggest factors affecting the economy as a whole such as unemployment rates, global and a country’s GDP, and inflation rates. Decisions are made by looking at worldwide economics- then a country’s economy- then refinement of a specific sector- then to individual companies within that sector.

Bottom-up and Top-down models are used in conjunction with one another by most economies though they are distinctly different.

Characteristics Of A Bottom-Up Model

1. A bottom-up approach starts by targeting a local sector or specific variables and then expanding outward.
2. A bottom-up model is pro-productivity as opposed to consumptive dependency: The emphasis is on the economic activities of households and communities. People focused.
3. Bottom-up is more focused on micro variables specifically on local communities: Economies are built around diverse local businesses and innovations.
4. A bottom-up model concentrates on distribution of wealth and ownership capital for the local communities.
5. Just like decentralization, the bottom-up model seeks to solve problems and build community wealth through the economy at a local level.
6. The bottom-up model cultivates local innovation and social entrepreneurs who support the local and national economy.
7. A bottom-up economic model aids in creating jobs through local solutions understood by the community.

What Is the Main Difference Between a Bottom-Up and Top-Down Approach?

• A bottom-up approach identifies various companies and picks the ones with the best future prospects.
• A top-down approach looks at the overall economy and invests in companies within the industries that affect the economy directly.
• A bottom-up model concentrates on distribution of wealth and ownership capital to the local communities.
• Due to its generalized nature, a top-down approach may overlook great opportunities by ignoring and eliminating local companies that have potential.

In conclusion, a bottom-up model begins at the micro level and then broadens out. A top-down analysis begins at the macro level and then homes in on a more local level. In the end, every approach has its own pros and cons.

The post The Bottom-Up Economic Model| How Does It Compare to the Top-Down Economic Model? appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

The Maasai are a physically beautiful, lean and healthy nomadic, pastoral indigenous tribe whose ancestral territory stretches across southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are closely related to the Nuer, Kalenjin and Dinka.

The Maasai community are globally known for their distinctive culture, high jumping dances, beautiful dresses and being gutsy warriors.

Here are 7 riveting aspects of the Maasai culture:

1. Our cattle is precious gold: For centuries the Maasai have been nomadic pastoralists whose lifestyle depended on their cattle. They believe they are the custodians of cattle- the shepherds who amass and graze large herds of cows (and to a lesser extent goats and sheep). The cattle is a great income earner, plays a giant role in the Maasai traditional and communal life like establishing alliances and as a sacred diet. The Ilkunono, a sub-group of the Maasai, were also known for making cowbells and weapons, and being skilled blacksmiths.
2. Our lions respect our Warriors: Though lion-hunting as a traditional is no longer practiced, it has been a key Maasai rite of passage for many decades past. The young Maasai men graduated to Morans through this initiation rite- the ala-mayo. Hunting is currently forbidden by the law but the fierce bravery of the Moran still stands tall.
3. From boys to men: The Eunoto ceremony marks the boys to Morans Ilmurran warriors upon circumcision events held every 10-15 years marking a new age-set.
4. Our shiny and distinctive Maasai drip: The Maasai are known for their physical beauty, graceful physiques, their unique ornamentation and garments. The Maasai warriors traditionally have braided hair, which is dyed with red ochre. The Maasai have distinctive dress and decorative beaded jewellery for various events that can be distinguished by the color combination of the beaded jewellery. The Maasai blanket is perhaps one of the most recognizable symbols of the Kenyan Maasai. Just like many Kenyans from various tribes, I have mine that comes in handy in the cold seasons.
5. Anyone fancy cow’s milk and cow’s blood? The Maasai have a tradition of drinking raw blood, cooked blood, and blood-milk mixtures. Drunk in chai, drunk soured (or raw), or turned into butter, milk is a part of almost every meal for Maasai herders. Raw beef is also consumed. Unknown to many, the diet has always been supplemented with tubers, honey, and foraged plants that are most often used in stews. More recently, the Maasai have supplemented their diet with grains and maize-meal as urban lifestyles sneak up on them and communities interact.
6. You can not beat the Maasai in a jumping contest: The Maasai have many singing and dancing ceremonies but the best-known is their jumping dance- adamu. It is often a tingle of display to witness the extreme heights reached by the Maasai warriors.
7. Staying green is a Maasai rule: Since time immemorial, the Maasai have nomadically grazed their herds while taking care of the environment and the resident wildlife. They did this mainly by migrating seasonally across territories, leaving the land plenty of time to recover before cycling back for a graze.

Though influenced by the changes in society, many Maasai cultural practices are still embraced today,. The Maasai community continues to fascinate and inspire.

The post <strong>7 Riveting Aspects of The Maasai Culture</strong> appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Kenyans voted to decentralize the government in 2017 and thus creating a working relationship with the national government in terms of power and revenue sharing.

Many Kenyans were excited by the move that would begin a massacre of the rapid growth of rural-urban migration. This would mean decentralization of resources and a lower cost of living.

A successful devolution process involves:

• Capacity building.
• Income generation activities and proper service delivery channels.
• Community engagement in key sectors of the counties.

Advantages of Devolution

• Devolution brings the government’s services to the people at the local level.
• Devolution can be a vaccine to curb dictatorship and oppression as the citizenry become politically wiser.
• Public participation increases as locals create solutions for their well understood local pain points.
• Economic growth as the central government shares the burden, concentrates on national innovative practices and more pressing national issues.
• Tailor made policies are made that suit local situations.
• Accelerated implementation of government programs.

Disadvantages of Devolution

• Devolution can be a breeding ground for tribalism and negative ethnicity.
• Constitutional rights can be abused and overlooked by the majority if not checked.
• Integrity can be compromised if proper checks and structures are not put in place.
• It may also create rigidity and slow down decision making process
  
  

The post <strong>Does Devolution Accelerate Economic Growth?</strong> appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

You are a very successful author, could you please take us through your journey?

I was born and bred in Narumoru on the Slopes of Mt. Kenya. It was very beautiful, green and very cold. You would wake up in the morning and the water you left in the bucket last night was frozen.

My family was very supportive of my education and they encouraged my love of reading by buying me books. My favorites were Readers Digests, The Concubine, The dictionary and old newspapers that I would enjoy reading in the pit latrine. I think my sense of smell always froze because I would squat for hours deeply engrossed in my reading.

At school, English was my favorite subject. I loved my English teacher, Mrs. Mucheni who used to encourage my composition writing and would always encourage me to read my work to the rest of the class. She would ask me how I learned such good English beyond class lessons. At that point, I had no idea but would later learn that my love for reading was shaping me as a great writer.

In class five, I remember my parents bought me Mutahi Muriichu’s book- Writing School Compositions which changed my life. I read it hundreds of time to a point I think I knew it word for word.

In high school, I continued with my writing and when I was in form two, I wrote my first ever book, Disability is not Inability. I asked my parents to connect me to Mutahi because his book was my inspiration as a writer since childhood. Unfortunately, we could not trace him. My parents assured me that they would keep looking.

I completed high school and one of the best gifts that I have ever received was my parents telling me that they had finally traced Mutahi and he had invited us to his house. It was an added advantage that he also lived in Nyeri County. I carried my book and gave it to him and asked him if he could be my mentor to which he agreed.

He taught me how publishing of books works and connected me to Jomo Kenyatta Publishers. My book was published after three years. In 2008, Longhor publishers had a competition for writers on HIV Aids. I wrote a book, Nafula’s Mother which won and got approved to be read in primary schools in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

In 2012, I approached E.A Educational Publishers with an idea of how to translate science subjects in to stories. I figured the reason why I failed in science subjects is because they lacked creativity in how they were taught. My pitch was accepted and was granted permission to begin with a pilot targeting class 5. I wrote three books (The Necklace beads, Binaisa and his Friends, and Bogere and his unhealthy friends) which were approved to be used in the school curriculum in Uganda.

I am very shy when it comes to telling my story. However, I have learnt that it is important because you never know what comes out of it or who you inspire. In 2015, I was approached by a journalist who upon hearing my story wanted to do my profile.

After he did my feature, Danny Adendorff from the UK who had read the story contacted me via facebook. His reason was that he was tired of hearing fellow European African experiences and was very happy to read an inspiring story of an African. He owns a publishing Company, WDA Publishing.

When I told him about my novel manuscript which had been rejected locally, he asked to read it. I was ecstatic when he agreed to publish it and he did it in a few weeks. My novel, Sweet Sorrow is now available on Amazon and other online platforms and you can buy both print and soft copy.

I am currently writing poems on tropical issues like disability, diseases etc and submitting them to magazines.

You studied Journalism, How did this contribute to your career as an author?

After graduating from college, I got to intern at Kenya News Agency as a photo journalist in the PR department of the Ministry of Transport. After two years, I quit. I wasn’t satisfied and felt like I was in a bubble and the world was moving so fast while the bubble just bubbled in one place!

I think it’s important to know when to quit and when to move on. For me, quitting was the best decision ever. I was now able to concentrate on my writing and on founding my organization, Literature Africa Foundation.

My organization aims at creating sustainable communities by eliminating the gap between education and employment through creating, nurturing, inspiring and promoting a reading culture in Kenya. We have mentored students in several schools including, Gatarwa Girls high school- my former school, St. Georges (Nyeri) and Gatura girls. We offer life skills in primary schools through storytelling and community reading sessions.

We are currently running a campaign for books through a book drive and would urge book lovers to join us or help in the various ways that they can.

My journey has contributed to my being a mentor with the Equity Group Foundation (Wings to fly program), a mentor with the Scholars Education and I am a mentor to a Strathmore School mentee program through the Global Give Circle program.

You made it to YALI, how was that for you?

I had an amazing time at YALI. I could not believe that I was part of President Obama’s prestigious program. You know the way you think you are smart then you are put in a room with tens of other smart people if not smarter? I enjoyed the journey, made great connections and had my paradigms about Africa shifted. I am working on partnerships created at the center.

It was also not easy by the way because I am a mum to a 3 and a 6 year old and a wife. Leaving them behind wasn’t easy. I thank God for my husband who is very supportive and is always pushing me to be the very best. He is my number one fan and cheerleader.

What’s your advice to the Youth?

I have had challenges especially being a woman and in her twenties. My small body doesn’t help when I am called for some pitch meetings in high profile places and people ask me if I am really the one and you can see some doubt in their eyes. I therefore advice the youth to wake up, follow your passion and it will change lives and feed you as well.

Patience has worked for me. For example, my book was published after three years but thank God my mentor had warned me prior. Get out there, find a mentor who is successful in what you are aiming to do and be patient. Do not expect microwave results. Dream big. If your dreams do not scare you, then they are not good enough. Aim to change the status quo and be persistent.

I always put God first in all I do and so should you. Can I mention that I do not take no for an answer? (She laughs). I believe in knocking the door, if it does not open then try to break it, if that fails enter through the roof or chimney and if you still get a no, then it’s time to move on to the next door.

What do you do for fun?

I love watching TV with my kids on Saturday mornings. It’s family our ritual. Dancing makes me happy. You should see me drop it like its hot albeit I am not a very good dancer but who cares right? Life is for the living. Cartoons, reading, reading and some more reading.

Favorite Food

If there’s any regular fight we had with my mom was on food. I am a very picky eater. If I could do without food imagine I would. (sighs) Hopefully none of my kids pick after me.

Ten years from now?

My goal is to empower and transform as many lives as possible through my organization. The reading culture in Kenya must improve and especially in the rural areas.

The post Reading For Hours In Unfathomable Spaces In My Childhood Shaped Me As An Author. Wairimu Mwangi appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

My dream did indeed come true. Her demeanor and radiance provided such an accommodating and loving atmosphere, the kind that makes you want to talk for hours with someone. And we did the talking, for hours…

This young lady is passionate about education, strategy and sustainable development. She is an alumna of President Obama’s YALI RLC 2015 and is also headed for the other wing of the program, The Mandela Washington Fellowship this Thursday in the USA.

She is the executive director of AHI, a social enterprise and the founder of B&B (K) Ltd. She is the former minister for Trade and Entrepreneurship in the youth senate of Kenya. Here, her key achievement was to secure a network of investors through the bank to fund and mentor projects in various projects.

Gakii was also selected to participate in the Africa Business conference at Harvard University early this year in February. She was nominated for the Nelson Mandela-Graca Machel Youth innovator award 2016, made it to Top 25 under 25 under KCA university & African Garage, was One young World Ambassador 2013 and is a Home grown Hero award recipient- Raspberry Adams among other accolades.

Yes, I know. Her achievements are quite a long list and we were not able to cover all of them during our tea and crumpets girl talk because she had a meeting with a potential client.

I was brought up a very responsible child as an only child for eight years until my sister was born and another eight years till our brother was born. My parents are the kind of people who do not baby you. They talk to you like an adult as a child. They never compromised on education and ensured they made us understand its importance.

I went to Makini primary school which laid a great foundation for me and on passing my KCPE, I got selected to join THE Kenya High School.

We both laugh at the mention of the school because everyone who went to this school always puts an emphasis on “THE” when addressing the school, these girls are so proud of their school.

It was depressing for me. You know how you think you are smart and then you find everyone is equally smart or smarter than you? Here you were proud of being at the top in your primary school or even countrywide only to find more connected and well travelled folk. That was me. I hit identity crisis. It was quite depressing because it was the first time I was away from home.

It took me some time to settle down and as a result my grades went down. The school really shaped who I am today as a woman and a leader. Can you believe they used to make us eat ugali with folks and running on corridors was forbidden?

She laughs and sits pretty with her back straight, knees turned to the left and ankles crossed to her right. Lord have mercy. Ladies?

The teachers never gave up on me even when I was doing badly. I therefore purposed to shift my paradigms and think of my purpose which led to improvement of my grades. The school also taught me service to others as you know our motto was and still is, "Servire est regnare-Latin for to serve is to reign. My favorite subject was chemistry and I remember I was ranked 8th in mock exam in Nairobi province.

In 2008, I finished high school at the age of sixteen and I did very well. I joined Strathmore University immediately after high school to pursue a diploma in Business Management in the evening while pursuing a degree in civil engineering at the University of Nairobi during the day.

In 2011, I graduated with my diploma and was in my 3rd year of Civil engineering which was not going very well for me. I was losing interest. I decided I would not pursue the degree after two internships plus the diploma had connected me to older and wiser people who mentored me a great deal. The value of the diploma was greater, from understanding challenges to navigation of problems in the work place.

I decided to quit my degree which was not an easy decision, probably one of the hardest. My family could not and still do not believe it. My mum actually still hopes I will go back. In 2012 and at 19 years old, Gakii decided to pursue a BSC in Leadership and Management majoring in Public Administration and Management of Non Profit organizations from Strathmore University.

It was in the same year she formed her social enterprise AHI, a social enterprise which sets up sustainable economic ventures for schools in the slum. These ventures provide an additional and consistent source of revenue for the schools, allowing them to plan and prioritize their needs and then budget accordingly. Through this, there is a steady improvement in the quality of education received as it is all rounded, well-equipped, child centred and consistent.

AHI has worked with St, Catherine’s Mukuru in 2013, Frank Educational Centre in 2014 and 2015 by buying and taking book donations and adopted a sawing workshop to provide a source of income. They are currently working with Agape school in Kibera that has about 50 children. They are setting up slum tours to raise income and building a water tank for the school and the surrounding community.

HOYWIK School is also a current recipient of the program. AHI is setting up the agricultural farm- upgrading of the chicken and rabbit hatch, offering a monthly mentorship programme and business skills for the teachers and parents. Through this venture, Gakii and her team have changed hundreds of lives, from young children, their parents, to teachers and the respective communities.

It’s a different ball game in the slums. I have seen heart-breaking stories. I have talked to young girls that have been raped. I have encountered con men. My heart breaks every time I engage people from the slum who have lost hope. Who believe they will never be successful and are doomed by being born in the slum and some who believe there is no justice for the poor.

Gakii also runs B&B (K) Ltd, a consultancy that focuses on streamlining business processes for NGOs and SMEs, organizational sustainability for Not for profit ventures and managing projects for businesses.

She is also a member of the World Economic Forum as a Nairobi Global shaper. Global shapers is a network of high impact individuals trying to put their efforts together to scale up impact and make actual ripples. She is currently spearheading a campaign, 30 days of green to encourage people to take care of the environment.

One thing I am grateful to God for is my foundation. I know I was born with huge potential, lots of greatness and a huge purpose which are not for myself but for influencing and transforming others.

I am constantly working and applying for programs to enhance my leadership skills. My tenacity and God’s grace has opened huge doors. I am stoked to be heading to Washington in the US this week to continue with the YALI program and will forever be grateful to President Obama and the team, both at Washington and The RLC in Nairobi.

I feel I am on a journey to rediscovering and building on my purpose. My advice for my fellow Africans is

1. We must intend to understand ourselves. Let’s not try to be like the West. No one will save us, we are the ones to save ourselves and our continent.
2. Let us believe in ourselves. If you are passionate about something, do it. There’s a reason God gave you that passion. At 24, I have had people doubt my achievements and even go as far as calling me a liar to investigating my background. Dear Africans, let us be each other’s cheerleaders and work together for Africa.
3. Know yourself and never compromise.
4. Maintain a good support system, family and friends. Choose your friends wisely. One of my closest friend, JaneRose is a godly woman and a high achiever who always keeps me accountable, on my toes and is constantly working hard to empower others.
5. Do not be afraid of failure. Fear of failure is a curse.
6. Have God as the center of your life.

Gakii hopes to keep disrupting the status quo, hugely impact the education system and work towards poverty eradication. She is looking forward to pursue her masters soon and to empower and transform as many lives as possible. She loves to read, play the violin, meet new people, travel and have as much fun as possible.

We wish you the very best Gakii, you truly deserve the Young African Leadership title!

The post Many Doubt My Achievements Because Of My Young Age But I Keep Striving For More. Gakii Biriri appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

I was born and bred in Burundi. I had what everyone would call a normal childhood albeit I must confess I was easily distracted at school. I am not sure if it was the lack of interest in education as a child or the peer pressure. 

I continually thank God for a strong support system that my family was and continues to be, they never gave up on me and this saw my grades improve.

I joined one of the best high schools in Bujumbura. I became a leader in many aspects one of them being the coordinator of Karmesse fundraising events which aim at helping different orphanages in my city. Many people began calling me, Miss Mic Girl because of how I got comfortable with the microphone and hosted events.

After clearing high school in 2011, I joined Hope Africa University to pursue Social work and Community Development. Isn’t it interesting how life is like a puzzle? Every encounter since childhood is a step, a lesson towards shaping you. I already knew that I was created to give hope and encourage people by interacting with the less fortunate and this played a huge role in choosing my degree.

After finishing university, I interned in a firm for three months in 2015 until all hell broke loose. There was crisis in Burundi. It was ugly. People died, were displaced from their homes and even though the crisis happened a bit far away from where I live, the instability was unbearable and full of uncertainty, my family sort refuge in Rwanda.

We stayed in Rwanda for a month and went back to Burundi even though my parents wanted to assess the situation for a bit longer. My siblings and I really wanted to go back home. The rest of the year was uncertain but we had to strive on.

After three months, I got hired as a radio host at Buja FM to run a weekly show, Ligala Connect and later a daily breakfast show, Mpagaciro. My show has changed my life. It aims at empowering the youth, women and families.I am still awed at the power of media, it can make or break. My show reaches millions of people hence changing countless lives. I get to work with people who are struggling in life and help them in whatever way I can.

My heart was stolen long ago by youth and women. It is always heart breaking to host unemployed youth or women in their twenties who have had immense problems since childhood. People who have lost hope, people who come to the show as a last resort. It makes me cry sometimes and at the same time makes me stronger because there is so much I can do, that we can all do.

It is also very rewarding to see these hopeless people turn their lives around and become ambitious and successful. At 26, I have made a vow to change and help shape my community so help me God. I urge my fellow Young African Leaders to rise, to do something, to own Africa and tell our own stories. I believe that when you empower a woman, you shape a community. That healthy families make healthy nations.

We have all been created the same way, God has given us greatness and talents not for own selfish needs but to help others. I still can’t believe that I was selected to be a part of President Obama’s initiative, this goes to show that tenacity and a love for others will open big doors to enhance your skills as a leader.

My vision is to use every tool I have to encourage our youth and women in Burundi and in Africa. To let them know they have inbuilt greatness, they do not need politicians to succeed and can do it by themselves.

We are super proud of Arlene for what she is doing for Burundi. We also hope to catch up again soon in Burundi over her favourite meal, Isombe (cassava leaves), mixed with sweet potatoes, rice, meat and sauce.

The post Dropping The Mic, Spitting words And Busting Moves For My Africa. Arlene Muco appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.

Take us through your leadership journey.

Being a first born taught me responsibility, to lead from the front at a very young age. As far as I can recall, I have been on a steadfast journey of leading others who are younger and older than me.

I completed a multi-disciplinary training in Guidance and Counselling and Nursing at undergraduate level at University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. I studied Development Studies at Masters level at Moi University. In 2013, I was awarded a common wealth scholarship at the University of London to study- Gender, Education and International Development.

This has given me an opportunity to work in various settings. My first exposure to work was as a volunteer immediately after high school. One of the things I learnt about volunteering is that one has to do it as if they are being paid.

You know those projects you have to do and the results are so fulfilling you don’t seem to focus on how broke you are? The one diet you must endure for months? That was me. I even wonder how I never became malnourished then.

I am currently the County Executive in charge of Lands, Housing and Urban development in the county government of Busia. I must say this is a position I serve with great honor and humility.

I must also take this opportunity to give a shout out to my team in Busia, the touts, bodaboda (motor bike) riders and the chicken farmers.

We both burst out laughing. For those that do not understand, the community where Bernadette hails from loves to give shout outs to everyone they know including their pets. Bernadette actually confesses that it is a cultural crime to not send shout outs during interviews.

My decision to work in the public sector was birthed in 2010 while I was going through a Political Leadership Development Program by the Fredrich Elbert foundation.

I have also served as a director at Pamoja Child Foundation in Kisumu, worked as a referendum monitor with the Kenya National Commission of Human rights and led as a technical advisor to a pilot project on child protection standards in Malindi Kenya.

Working as a land rights project manager in pushing for women rights and taking up an international assignment as a regional project manager of East and Southern Africa changed my life. All these experiences have moulded me in to who I am today.

I have also published my own book on academic counselling. I have various other publications in renowned journals and have had a chance to present some of my papers in both local and international conferences.

What is your inspiration and why?

I love reading books. I have a couple of mentors who are very successful in the very areas I hope to be. Basically, what I am saying is I am greatly inspired by self-driven and tenacious people. Anyone that is constantly striving to achieve their goals gets my attention. I also love fun and nature.

You are currently in Morocco for the MO Ibrahim residential School of Governance. You are also a current participant of President Obama’s YALI where we met and You have just been selected as a finalist in The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme. What does this mean to you?

The Mo Ibrahim focuses on defining, assessing and ultimately enhancing governance and leadership in Africa. I am happy that the African dialogue here is very strong and real.

I am super grateful to have made it to YALI, the networks and overall vision for Africa is mind blowing. I actually did a presentation the day before yesterday at Mo Ibrahim and spoke about the YALI program and its focus on the African continent. My presentation was on citizen participation in local governments as a tool of enhancing transparent and accountable leadership.

I am extremely ecstatic to have made it to the competitive Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme because when I am not practicing in governance, I am an entrepreneur. You should have seen me yesterday when I got the news, the Moroccans must have thought I was high on sugar.

Anyway, the project I am working on is establishing a Green bank. This is a micro- financing model that only funds growing fruit trees as a local intervention of planting trees to contribute towards climate mitigation. At the same time, the project involves pooling raw materials for fruit cottage industries from which rural households can earn dividends and improve household incomes over time.

I have also received news that I have made it to the Coady Global Change Leaders. I am also currently a finalist for Techwomen.

Congratulations Bernadette! How has your success helped you in influencing others?

I am a mentor to many young and older people. I speak in forums and take people through my leadership journey and as a result, I have seen many young people get empowered.

I am truly humbled and grateful for my multi-cultural exposure which has helped me gain great connections worldwide. I have linked many people to different opportunities and also brought together people with common interests.

Your advice for Young African Leaders.

If you know me well, you will definitely know that I am daring in exploring opportunities. I knock and if you don’t open the door, I bang on it, or stretch my arm through the windows and open it. If that doesn’t work, I will either climb up the roof and slide through the chimney or bomb the ventilators and create an entrance. (We laugh)

Well, if all that does not work, I look for the next door to bang.

A lot of people give up very easily. Some of them refer successful people as lucky which is not true. When I strongly believe in something, I will channel all my energies towards achieving it, and so should you.

Believe in yourself and the world will believe in you. Do not be afraid to do what you believe in. Youth is a stage of transition. Anchor your dreams beyond the time when you will no longer do it simply because you are young.

How do you unwind?

I cook chicken or fish. Love to travel. I have visited over 30 countries so far and need to visit more. I am always reading a book at a given time from autobiographies, political and leadership books to books for personal growth.

Did I mention I love to cook chicken kienyeji (indigenous) or fish? On a serious note my dream is to eventually own a restaurant.

Favourite Quote

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. James Keller.

Africa in three words?

No better place.

The post Governance And Entrepreneurship| I Am Your Go To Girl. Bernadette Muyomi appeared first on Afrikan Excellence.