A spark of shared vision and purpose lit up 吃瓜头条鈥檚 Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 Boardroom on Wednesday, 5th November 2025, as Ms. Shalane Yuen, Founding Managing Director of the Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF), and Mr. Khuselwa Mxatule, Assistant Director of Impact and Learning, visited the University. The visit reaffirmed TNF鈥檚 growing partnership with the Regional Leadership Centre, East Africa (RLC EA), a collaboration shaping the next generation of changemakers across the region.
The meeting was chaired by Prof. Michael Gicheru, Executive Dean of the Graduate School, representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paul Wainaina. Also in attendance were Dr. Anthony Njoroge, Chairperson of the Department of Educational Foundations (standing in for Prof. Samson Ondigi, Executive Dean, School of Education), Prof. George Kosimbei, Director of RLC EA, and Ms. Rosemary Ndivo, the Centre鈥檚 Deputy Director.
Since its inception, the partnership between Trevor Noah Foundation and RLC EA has focused on empowering young education changemakers from across 14 countries in East and Central Africa. Through the RLC EA, formerly Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) programme, the Foundation has supported the training of the first and second cohorts, equipping more than 100 education leaders with critical skills in leadership, innovation, and social impact.
Prof. Kosimbei noted that the collaboration has been instrumental in the Centre鈥檚 sustainability transition plan, particularly following the conclusion of USAID funding. 鈥淲e are not in a bad place,鈥� he affirmed. 鈥淲e鈥檙e finalising paperwork with new partners, including the Embassy of Korea and other interested collaborators. The support from 吃瓜头条 management has been remarkable.鈥�
吃瓜头条 (KU) is one of Africa鈥檚 leading institutions of higher learning, the best in Kenya – a comprehensive university offering a wide range of academic, research and innovation programmes. He also highlighted the University鈥檚 structured administrative hierarchy and its commitment to advancing partnerships that nurture leadership, capacity building, and socio-economic transformation.
The RLC EA鈥檚 post-training framework remains a model for sustained community engagement. Alumni such as Julius Irungu, a 吃瓜头条 graduate and YALI alumnus, continue to demonstrate the programme鈥檚 tangible impact through ongoing community development initiatives. The Trevor Noah Foundation team expressed interest in visiting such alumni projects to witness the ripple effects of the training.
Dr. Njoroge thanked the Foundation for its consistency and partnership, reaffirming the School of Education鈥檚 commitment to providing continued support. 鈥淎s a School, we deeply value this collaboration and will continue to stand behind the Centre in all its efforts,鈥� he said.
Speaking during the courtesy call, Ms. Yuen shared the inspiring story behind the Foundation鈥檚 conception. Founded in 2018 by South African comedian and philanthropist Trevor Noah, the Foundation was inspired by his mother鈥檚 passion for education and resilience. Its core mission is to strengthen school ecosystems, enhance accountability in education, and provide career guidance opportunities for learners across Africa.
鈥淥ur first engagement with the YALI Regional Leadership Centre was in South Africa,鈥� she noted. 鈥淲e were impressed by how the East Africa Centre operates, especially its proactive approach and strong commitment to impact. The alignment between our missions made the partnership a natural fit.鈥�
Ms. Yuen added that TNF has been the only YALI funder to include direct grant funding for community-based initiatives, reflecting the Foundation鈥檚 belief in practical, sustained change beyond classroom learning. She further encouraged the Centre to reach out whenever support is needed, especially in securing funding for ongoing projects.
Mr. Mxatule, who has been part of the collaboration since the first cohort, praised RLC EA鈥檚 proactive leadership. 鈥淔rom our first conversation to the signing of the MoU, everything aligned seamlessly. This Centre stands out for its grounded, community-focused approach,鈥� he remarked.
Both teams reaffirmed their shared vision for sustainable leadership training in Africa. The Trevor Noah Foundation expressed its readiness to continue supporting the Centre and to help attract additional partners interested in advancing educational transformation across the continent.
Prof. Kosimbei concluded by expressing gratitude for TNF鈥檚 unwavering support: 鈥淭he Foundation stood with us when other funding ended. This partnership continues to light the path towards sustainable, impactful leadership development.鈥�
As 吃瓜头条 continues to transform higher education and enhance lives, such collaborations embody its mission to foster leadership, innovation and global citizenship聽 – values that totally resonate deeply with the Trevor Noah Foundation鈥檚 vision.