NAIROBI, Kenya — The United States and Kenya this week celebrated six decades of collaboration through education and cultural exchange, as more than 500 alumni of U.S. programs gathered in Nairobi for the inaugural Pamoja Fair.
The event, hosted by the U.S.–Kenya Alumni Association, brought together beneficiaries of flagship initiatives such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Fulbright, and Tech Women, who have returned to Kenya to drive innovation in fields ranging from technology and entrepreneurship to diplomacy and sustainability.
Acting U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Susan Burns, who presided over the event, lauded the alumni’s contributions to national and regional development, saying their work reflected the depth of U.S.–Kenya ties.
“Over 8,000 Kenyans have benefited from U.S. exchange programs, and their leadership continues to shape the future of this country and the region,” Burns said. “Nairobi is East Africa’s Silicon Savannah, a place where fintech collides with fashion and where world-class enterprises thrive.”
She also hailed Kenya’s growing role in global diplomacy and peace efforts, noting that people-to-people connections remain a cornerstone of U.S. engagement in Africa.
One of the fair’s highlights was the unveiling of the “60 Alumni Stories” exhibition, showcasing groundbreaking businesses and social impact projects led by Kenyan alumni.
Conversations at the event also focused on sustainability, trade, and the next chapter of bilateral cooperation.
Benson Abila, President of the U.S.–Kenya Alumni Association, said the fair was a milestone in recognizing the “life-changing” power of exchange programs.
“These stories remind us of how education and international partnerships can transform not just individuals but entire communities,” he said.
The Pamoja Fair was billed as a launchpad for future collaboration, reinforcing a partnership that organizers hope will remain strong for the next 60 years.
