Where leaders are nurtured
Transform Nations
The Regional Leadership Center East Africa nurtures emerging leaders to drive positive transformation across Africa.
Igniting Potential
African Leadership
Empowering young African leaders with skills, networks, and opportunities to create lasting impact in their communities.
Shaping Tomorrow
Africa's Future
Building a generation of ethical, innovative leaders ready to tackle Africa's most pressing challenges.
Excellence in Leadership
Lead Boldly with RLC EA
Join a network of accomplished leaders working together to drive sustainable development across East Africa.
Building Tomorrow
Nurturing Future Leaders
Through comprehensive training, mentorship, and practical experience, we prepare leaders to make meaningful change.
What is Regional Leadership Center East Africa
The Regional Leadership Center East Africa (RLC EA) at Kenyatta University in Nairobi is a legacy of the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center East Africa (YALI RLC EA), which was managed under a public-private partnership with Kenyatta University as the implementing partner.
The American people through USAID and other private partners provided financial support for YALI RLC EA. The RLC EA's mission is to build a generation of diverse, professional, and innovative young African leaders who are ethical and skilled in managing private businesses, civic organizations, and public resources.
The RLC EA serves as a regional hub for programs focused on young leaders in East and Central Africa, organizing leadership programs, projects, and activities. The center serves youth aged 18-35 from fourteen countries: Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Contact Us
+254 020 870 4290
Location
The Regional Leadership Center East Africa is located at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. The Center is overseen by Kenyatta University and is supported by a growing number of African and international partners.
Served Countries
Serves 14 countries in East and Central Africa:
- 1. Burundi
- 2. Uganda
- 3. Kenya
- 4. Djibouti
- 5. Eritrea
- 6. Ethiopia
- 7. Democratic Republic of Congo
- 8. Rwanda
- 9. Tanzania
- 10. Somalia
- 11. South Sudan
- 12. Sudan
- 13. Republic of Congo
- 14. Central African Republic
Training
Selected participants will engage in leadership training across three tracks of study:
- • Business and Entrepreneurship
- • Civic Leadership
- • Public Management
This is done in a 4-week residential format with a focus on individual and team leadership skills, innovation, creative learning, and communication. The program emphasizes interactive and experiential learning which fosters each participant's ability to contribute both individually and in teams.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
RESIDENTIAL AND ONLINE LEARNING
At RLC EA, we offer dynamic learning experiences designed to equip young African leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.
Blended Learning
Combining online flexibility with in-person interaction, our blended programs offer the best of both worlds. Participants enjoy virtual sessions alongside enriching face-to-face experiences during residential phases.
Virtual Cohorts
Fully online programs provide accessible, high-quality learning experiences from anywhere in the world. Distance never becomes a barrier to leadership development.
Residential Programs
Immersive in-person experiences where participants live and learn together through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and meaningful networking opportunities.
All programs share a common mission: nurturing the next generation of African leaders prepared to tackle the continent's most pressing challenges.
Download Information Brochure
Who Should Apply?
Competition for the Regional Leadership Center East Africa is merit-based and open to young East African leaders who meet the following criteria:
IMPACT STORIES & BLOGS
Coding in the Nile
Eiman Hassan Adam Mohamed, Cohort 45 - Sudan
Promoting Afro-Tourism in Ethiopia
Meklit Debebe Ejita, Cohort 46 - Ethiopia
Empowering women Cocoa Growers in Uganda
Moses Obbi, Cohort 2 - Uganda
Rallying Men Against FGM
Tonny Mwebia, Cohort 39 - Kenya
She Rises For Change, Burundi
Janvier Manirakiza , Cohort 8 Burundi
From YALI RLC EA to Building a Healthier Sudan
Nada Sirag, Cohort 53 - Sudan
SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
Selection Process
Selection for participation in the Regional Leadership Center East Africa will be conducted as a merit-based, open competition. All eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Chosen semi-finalists will then be interviewed before a final selection is made and an invitation to join the program is issued.
Selection Criteria
Selection panels will use the following criteria to evaluate applications:
