Margaret Kiogora has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of President’s Award-Kenya (PA-K), effective November 1, 2024. Her appointment follows the retirement of Nellie Munala, who served in the role since 2015 and retired on August 30, 2024. Kiogora steps into this position with an impressive background in youth development, having recently served as the acting CEO of the National Youth Council (NYC), a key government agency under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports.
A Proven Leader in Youth Empowerment
Kiogora’s tenure at the NYC, spanning from August 2023 to October 2024, was marked by dynamic initiatives aimed at fostering socio-economic transformation for Kenyan youth. As the acting CEO, she championed NYC’s mission to build capacity among young people, facilitating their active participation in socio-economic activities. Her efforts resonated strongly with young Kenyans, as her leadership effectively bridged the gap between government policy and grassroots youth engagement.
One of Kiogora’s hallmark achievements was hosting the Youth Connekt Africa Summit in Nairobi in December 2023, an event that saw over 20,000 delegates from more than 40 countries gather to discuss youth-related issues. This summit highlighted Kenya as a hub for youth discourse and development, providing a critical platform for young people to engage in conversations around sustainable growth, employment, and innovation. This achievement underscored Kiogora’s ability to drive impactful youth-focused events with wide-reaching influence.
Further, Kiogora spearheaded the implementation of NYC’s Strategic Plan in April 2024, a blueprint designed to bolster the council’s operations and improve the effectiveness of youth-oriented programs. She also successfully coordinated the International Youth Week celebrations for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), rallying nationwide participation and engagement in youth-driven initiatives.
Spearheading Policy and Grassroots Initiatives
Kiogora’s impact on youth policy is notable. She played a pivotal role in the development of comprehensive youth frameworks through the Kenya Youth Development Policies (KYD), covering 27 out of Kenya’s 47 counties. These frameworks aim to ensure that county-level youth policies are well-aligned with national strategies, providing a cohesive and inclusive approach to youth development across the country. Through her work with KYD, Kiogora has set a strong foundation for county governments to support young people in diverse regions, addressing specific local needs and challenges.
Her influence was also felt at the grassroots level, where she led NYC’s “kikao” sessions during International Youth Day 2024. These interactive discussion forums, held in varied locations from Mombasa to Uasin Gishu, offered youth a platform to express their views and participate in policy discussions directly impacting their lives. The sessions connected over 1,000 young individuals, giving voice to their aspirations and ensuring their inclusion in Kenya’s broader socio-economic agenda.
Educational and Professional Background
Kiogora’s academic qualifications complement her professional experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources from the United States International University Africa. This strong academic foundation has enabled her to navigate complex organizational structures and implement strategic human resources initiatives, essential qualities for her new role at PA-K.
A New Era for President’s Award-Kenya
The President’s Award-Kenya is a non-formal education program that empowers young people between the ages of 14 and 24. Founded in 1966 as part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, PA-K provides a structured framework for young people to develop skills outside the traditional academic setting, preparing them to face real-world challenges with confidence and resilience. Through a range of activities, PA-K participants are encouraged to explore personal interests, engage in community service, and develop life skills that contribute to their growth and development.
Kiogora’s appointment as CEO comes at a crucial time for PA-K, as Kenya’s youth population continues to grow and requires guidance and opportunities for development. The organization’s programs are more relevant than ever, fostering skills that young people can leverage to create positive changes in their communities. Kiogora’s experience with youth programs, her policy expertise, and her ability to connect with young people make her an ideal candidate to lead PA-K in its next chapter.
Strategic Vision for the Future
As CEO, Kiogora is expected to bring a renewed strategic focus to PA-K, emphasizing both national and community-level engagement. Her experience with events like the Youth Connekt Africa Summit suggests that she will likely explore opportunities to expand PA-K’s reach, potentially incorporating more international collaboration and youth exchanges. Additionally, her success with NYC’s Strategic Plan indicates she will seek to develop a comprehensive framework for PA-K, aligning its goals with the needs of the modern Kenyan youth demographic.
Moreover, her grassroots approach evident from the “kikao” sessions is anticipated to foster greater inclusivity, ensuring that PA-K programs resonate with young people from diverse regions and backgrounds. This hands-on approach may also enhance PA-K’s ability to gather feedback from participants, enabling the organization to tailor its programs to better serve the youth’s evolving needs.
Looking Forward
Margaret Kiogora’s appointment as CEO marks a transformative moment for President’s Award-Kenya. Her dedication to youth development, extensive experience, and forward-thinking leadership style position her well to steer PA-K toward new heights. Under her guidance, PA-K is set to continue as a vital catalyst for youth empowerment, creating a lasting impact on young Kenyans and equipping them to contribute meaningfully to society.
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