KISE Partners to Power the Youth Leadership and Innovation Hub Launch

By Nadia Muthoni

The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) together with the African Council of Students’ and Youth Platforms officially launched the Youth Leadership and Innovation Hub, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower young people to lead change through creativity, mentorship, and collaboration.

The Hub, launched under the African Council of Students’ and Youth Platforms (ACSAP) in partnership with the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), represents a milestone in promoting inclusivity, innovation, and youth-driven leadership. This vibrant new space, housed within the Parental Empowerment Centre at KISE was made possible through the shared vision and collaboration of ACSAP Patron the first daughter Ms. Charlene Ruto and KISE Director Dr. Norman Kiogora, who opened the space to the youth to nurture growth, innovation, and mentorship.

Speaking during the event, Ms.Charlene Ruto thanked the mentors, supporters, and partners who have walked with ACSAP, including Dr. Norman Kiogora and the entire KISE leadership, for their continued support and for providing a home for the Hub. She also appreciated the sponsors who are coming on board in support of ACSAP’s mission and thanked the Azerbaijan government for its continued sponsorship program, noting that two Kenyan students have already benefitted from studying in Azerbaijan. Ms Charlene urged the youth to take full advantage of the Hub as a space for growth, mentorship, and creativity, emphasizing that young people must seize every opportunity to build their future. “This is your space to learn, to collaborate, and to lead with purpose. Dream boldly, start small, and believe in your ability to create impact,” she encouraged.

In his remarks, Dr. Norman Kiogora, Director of KISE, congratulated Ms.Charlene Ruto for her dynamic leadership and dedication to supporting young people. He explained that the Parental Empowerment Centre cannot be for parents alone, it must also serve as a space for youth to learn, innovate, and grow. He described Kenya as a safe and nurturing country that is encouraging youth growth and participation, calling on stakeholders to come together and support the Centre, given the immense potential young people hold. “When we empower the youth, we empower families, communities, and the nation. This space is proof that growth happens where opportunity meets mentorship,” he said.

Ambassador Sultan Hajiyev of Azerbaijan commended Ms. Charlene Ruto for her passion and support for the youth, and Dr. Kiogora for KISE’s partnership with ACSAP. He emphasized that Kenya does not need aid, it needs partnerships that promote shared value and sustainable development. He announced that more scholarship opportunities for Kenyan students in Azerbaijan will be unveiled next year, highlighting the strong partnership between the two nations in education, youth empowerment, and innovation.

Elmaddin Mehdiyev, Director of AIDA, echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, reaffirming that AIDA’s mission is to build friendships, foster equal opportunities, and empower young people, who are the true architects of Kenya’s and Africa’s future. He noted that since youth make up the majority of Kenya’s population, empowering them means strengthening the entire nation. He commended Charlene Ruto for her heart for young people and described Kenyan youth as among the luckiest, thanks to visionary leaders and supportive partnerships. “Our mission at AIDA aligns perfectly with ACSAP’s vision and that’s to create spaces where young people can learn, connect, and grow. Kenya remains one of the few African countries where Azerbaijan has a resident ambassador, a reflection of our deep and lasting friendship,” he said.

Representing Siaya County, County Secretary Joseph Ogutu spoke passionately about the importance of mentorship, highlighting that Siaya has mentored many young leaders, including the Secretary General of ACSAP. He stressed the need for young people to pair education with creativity and passion, observing that employment opportunities are shrinking, and innovation and creativity are now the new engines of opportunity. “The job market is changing,” he said. “What matters most today is your ability to think, create, and lead.”

David Msongori, the President of ACSAP Kenya, celebrated the Hub as a place where youth will find fun, knowledge, wisdom, and mentorship. He acknowledged the existing gap in employment and shared plans for the Hub to include a “game zone” where youth can express creativity while also addressing mental health challenges through open discussions and peer support.

During the media briefing, Ambassador Hajiyev emphasized that the partnership between Kenya and Azerbaijan is anchored on empowering young people, promoting innovation, and strengthening ties between the two nations. He revealed that both presidents have held meetings to deepen this cooperation, with more youth opportunities on the way. AIDA Director Mehdiyev elaborated on why investing in Kenya’s youth is strategic, explaining that ACSAP’s mission aligns with AIDA’s vision of empowering future leaders and fostering inclusive development.

The event also featured the launch of the ACSAP website, marking a new era of digital engagement and communication for youth-led initiatives. The website will serve as a resource for mentorship, innovation, and networking, connecting young minds across Africa and beyond.

The Youth Leadership and Innovation Hub stands as a symbol of what is possible when partnerships, mentorship, and passion come together. It reflects KISE’s continued commitment to inclusion and Ms.Charlene Ruto’s vision of giving young people a platform to dream and act. “Everyone should come on board and support the Centre because the potential of the youth is great,” said Dr. Kiogora. “This is more than a hub, it’s a home for Kenya’s future leaders,” added Ms.Charlene .

With creativity, mentorship, and collaboration at its core, the Hub is set to transform how young people learn, lead, and innovate , one idea, one conversation, and one breakthrough at a time.