Athi River, 28 November 2025 — The Global Peace Foundation Kenya, in partnership with Daystar University, Chandaria Foundation, KCB Foundation, and UNICAF, today hosted a momentous double event: the launch of the 2nd Sowing of the Chandaria–Daystar University Tree Nurseryand the graduation of the 5th Cohort of the President’s Fellowship – Chandaria Legacy Award Program.
The ceremony, graced by Hon. Salim Mvurya, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports, brought together over 100 graduating Fellows, senior university officials, philanthropists, partners, and leaders committed to nurturing Kenya’s next generation of ethical and innovative changemakers.
At 2:00pm, Hon. Mvurya officially launched the 2nd sowing of the Chandaria–Daystar University Tree Nursery, a collaborative sustainability initiative aimed at strengthening Kenya’s tree-growing agenda through youth-led environmental action.
The Cabinet Secretary commended the partnership, calling it “a forward-looking investment not just in nature, but in the young people who will champion Kenya’s green future.”
Dr. Manu Chandaria’s vision, implemented through the Chandaria Foundation and supporting partners, continues to create a model for sustainable, student-driven environmental leadership.
Following the tree nursery launch, the event transitioned into the highly anticipated graduation ceremony for the 2025 President’s Fellowship – Chandaria Legacy Award recipients, an initiative that has mentored over 500 young leaders since 2021.
In his keynote speech, Hon. Mvurya celebrated the Fellows for their resilience, service, and leadership throughout the program.
> “The President’s Fellowship is not just producing leaders; it is producing leaders of character,” he affirmed.
> “Your journey from here must be defined not by what you acquire, but by the impact you create.”
The Cabinet Secretary applauded the Fellows for embracing community service, intergenerational dialogue, and ethical leadership—qualities that align with Kenya’s vision for youth empowerment and national transformation.
The ceremony featured remarks from key institutional leaders including:
– **Prof. Laban Ayiro**, Vice Chancellor, Daystar University
– **Mr. Daniel Juma**, Africa Regional Representative & Country Director, Global Peace Foundation
– **Prof. Deo Jaganyi**, Vice Chancellor, Mount Kenya University
– **Mr. Vincent Rapando**, Chandaria Foundation
– **KCB Foundation**, UNICAF, and other ecosystem partners
Their collective message emphasized partnership, mentorship, and the essential role of institutions in shaping Kenya’s next generation of moral and innovative leaders.
Hon. Mvurya reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the President’s Fellowship through:
– The NYOTA Youth Empowerment Program
– Expansion of innovation hubs across counties
– Support for the creative economy and digital entrepreneurship
– Strengthening talent development through sports initiatives
– Skills and employment pathways under KYEOP
He emphasized that youth empowerment remains central to Kenya’s economic and social transformation.
As the Cohort 5 Fellows join a growing network of over 500 alumni, Hon. Mvurya challenged them to:
– innovate rather than complain
– serve with humility
– lead by example
– build bridges across communities
> “Kenya is looking at you with hope,” he concluded.
> “Go out and light up this country with your ideas, your courage, and your integrity.”
The Fellowship, led by Global Peace Foundation Kenya in partnership with the Chandaria Foundation and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, is designed to build values-based, innovative, and community-centered young leaders through mentorship, skills development, and civic engagement.
