LAGOS, Nigeria — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka were among high-profile guests at the Future Africa Leaders Awards held at Omnia Towers in Lagos on January 1, an event that culminated in a major win for Kenya after 23-year-old Rejoice Waithera scooped the prestigious Star Prize, the highest honour of the ceremony.
Waithera’s recognition placed her at the centre of a continental platform that celebrates young Africans driving meaningful change in their communities.
The Star Prize is reserved for exceptional individuals whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to service stand out among peers across Africa.
The ceremony brought together award winners, alumni, and influential leaders for an interactive forum focused on leadership, purpose, and personal growth.
Uhuru and Kalonzo participated in a dialogue session with young leaders, sharing reflections drawn from decades of public service and political leadership.
During the engagement, the two Kenyan leaders urged participants to pursue leadership with a strong sense of purpose, resilience, and faith, stressing that lasting impact often begins with small but deliberate actions.
They challenged the young Africans to overcome self-doubt, remain anchored in their values, and stay committed to transforming their societies despite setbacks.
The discussion revolved around recognising individual potential, embracing one’s calling, and understanding leadership as a journey rooted in service rather than status.
The leaders underscored that background or circumstance should not be a barrier to influence, encouraging participants to believe in their capacity to effect change within their communities and beyond.
The Future Africa Leaders Awards is an initiative founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome to identify, nurture and celebrate emerging African leaders who demonstrate vision, innovation, and a commitment to social impact.
The programme supports young people whose initiatives address real challenges in areas such as community development, entrepreneurship, governance, and social transformation.
Organisers said the awards aim to build a network of principled leaders equipped to shape Africa’s future through ethical leadership and practical solutions. Past recipients have gone on to scale community projects and influence policy conversations in their respective countries.
Waithera’s Star Prize win places her among an elite group of young Africans recognised for exceptional impact, further spotlighting Kenya’s growing presence in youth leadership spaces across the continent. Her achievement was hailed as a testament to the role young people continue to play in redefining Africa’s development narrative.
The Lagos forum concluded with a call for sustained mentorship, cross-border collaboration, and investment in youth-led initiatives as Africa grapples with economic, social, and governance challenges.
For many in attendance, the event served as both recognition and a renewed charge to lead with integrity, courage, and purpose in shaping the continent’s future.
