MMUST PhD Candidate Alfred Makotsi Represents Kenya in Mandela Washington Fellowship 2025
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) PhD candidate Alfred Makotsi represented Kenya in the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship, one of the most competitive programs for emerging African leaders.
Makotsi, a doctorate student in Diplomacy and International Relations at MMUST’s School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, joined the Public Management Track at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, from June 17 to July 28, 2025.
Mr. Alfred Makotsi at the University of Minnesota
Speaking about his experience, Makotsi said the fellowship had given him a broader outlook on governance and leadership. “This program opened my eyes to innovative policy solutions that can be adapted to address challenges back home, particularly youth unemployment,” he said.
As part of the fellowship, he worked on a project titled “Development of a Public Sector Policy Incubator on Youth Unemployment in Counties.” The initiative proposed the creation of policy and research units within county governments to generate evidence-based strategies for tackling the unemployment crisis among Kenyan youth.
Mr. Alfred Makotsi with Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, the first Kenyan-born person to be elected as District 38A in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, a flagship initiative of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), brings together over 700 young leaders from across Africa each year. It provides intensive academic training, leadership development, and networking opportunities.
Mr. Alfred Makotsi at the University of Minnesota
Makotsi also joined other fellows at the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit in Washington, D.C., where participants engaged with senior U.S. officials and global experts.
Reflecting on the experience, Makotsi said he hoped to use the knowledge gained to strengthen governance at the county level. “The fellowship was not just about learning; it was about building networks that will continue to support innovation and leadership in Africa,” he noted.
Makotsi’s selection underscored MMUST’s growing reputation as a hub for research and leadership training in the region.
