Emerging Public Leaders Celebrate Launch of Impact Assessment and a New Generation of Leaders in Kenya

H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Vice-Chairperson Mary Kimonye, and other representatives of the Kenyan Government presented with copies of the PSELF Impact Assessment Report at the launch event in February 2026.

Nairobi, Kenya - Emerging Public Leaders joined our partners at the Public Service Commission - Kenya and Emerging Leaders Foundation - Africa for the official Launch of the Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship (PSELF) Impact Assessment Report at the Radisson Blu Hotel, on 19 February 2026. Honoring the occasion were the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Felix Koskei, whose remarks were delivered by the Deputy Head of the Public Service, Amos Gathecha, and H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nobel Laureate and former President of Liberia.

The event celebrated the publication of the PSELF assessment report “The Leadership Dividend: Impact from the ground up,” which demonstrates the continued impact of the 51 inaugural cohort members on citizen-centric public service delivery and design throughout Kenya's public sector. PSELF is a premier leadership development program based on EPL’s flagship model and featuring a co-created curriculum with the PSC and the Chandler Governance Group, focusing on citizen-centric service delivery, public service leadership, and the public sector systems.  Between 2022 and 2024, 115 young women and men graduated from the PSELF program and have served across 26 government ministries, agencies, and departments.

Deputy Head of the Public Service, Amos Gathecha delivered remarks on behalf of the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service.

H.E. Madam Sirleaf shared reflections on EPL and its impact on young leaders across the continent.

Felix Koskei’s remarks called for the formation of a task team to develop a framework for embedding the PSELF into public service training throughout the government and emphasized the importance of ethical leadership development for the future of the public service. “We have a duty as a country to develop and nurture ethical leaders who will take this nation to the next level. Impactful programmes such as PSELF are pivotal and must be expanded and made more sustainable going forward,” read Mr. Koskei’s remarks.

H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who also attended the inauguration of the program in 2022 and has had the opportunity to engage with the Fellows at various events over the years, commended the partners on the PSELF program and especially recognized the public service commission for its commitment to deepen investment in the young leaders to shape Africa’s future. “The determination and development of our continent will rest in the hands of the young,” remarked Madam Sirleaf. “Together we can see the youth taking charge. They are the ones to take on the responsibility of our country, managing the total emergence of a new Africa.”

H.E. Madam Sirleaf enters the Radisson escorted by Caren Wakoli, Betsy Williams, and Mary Kimonye.

PSELF Alumni joined the EPL delegation and Dr. Mary Mwaindi at the launch event.

Remarks made by PSC Vice-Chairperson Mary Kimonye reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to expanding the program to the national and county governments, ensuring pathways for value-based leadership training for young leaders in all corners of governance. “The impact of PSELF cannot be gainsaid. This report is not merely data—it is a foundation for leaders and partners to collaborate and chart the way forward. The more young leaders we reach, train, and mentor, the stronger our public service will become,” she stated.

The event and the remarks shared underscored the PSELF program’s role in shaping the careers of its graduates, and the ongoing need to reach, train, mentor, and holistically strengthen the public service from its foundation - young, entry‑level leaders. Alumni representatives Sylvester, Matilda, Leonel, and Stephanie shared their testimonies with guests, noting the effect the program has had on their personal and professional lives.

Emerging Public Leaders’ Co-Founder, Chair Emeritus, and Board Member Betsy Williams was present alongside EPL Global Board Chair Emmanuel Lubember. Both shared remarks on the foundation of the partnerships, the success of the program, and the dedication the public service commission had demonstrated and inspired in our government partners across the continent to integrate the ethical leadership training, mentorship, and professional development into standard governance practices.

PSELF Alum Sylvester Nzomo gave testimony of the impact of the program with guests.

Government representatives, mentors, and key partners joined the celebration of the impact assessment.

Also in attendance were PSC Commissioners, Secretary/CEO Paul Famba, Deputy Commission Secretary Dr. Sylvester Obong’o, former Commissioner Dr. Mary Mwiandi, ELF–Africa Founder and Executive Director Caren Wakoli, EPL Executive Director Abigail Kajumba, and various development partners from the private and public sector whose collaboration has ensured the success of the program.

The celebration highlighted the great importance of government partners as drivers of institutional and systems change in EPL’s mission to build sustainability, new pathways and leadership opportunities for young women and men in the public service. We look forward to the continued success of the PSELF model in Kenya as more young leaders step into the public service with intentional and integrated ethical leadership development and structures of support that will better equip them to drive meaningful change in public policy and service delivery.