LAGOS, Nigeria — Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has celebrated a proud moment for Kenya and Africa’s youth following the victory of 23-year-old Rejoice Waithera at the Future Africa Leaders Awards 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Star Prize, the ceremony’s highest accolade, recognized Waithera’s outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to youth empowerment. The awards ceremony, held at the Loveworld Nation Arena, brought together young leaders from across the continent.
Through its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Office of the 4th President of Kenya highlighted Waithera’s achievement as a testament to the country’s rising generation:
“We congratulate Rejoice Waithera, a 23-year-old Kenyan, for winning the prestigious Star Prize at the Future Africa Leaders Awards 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria.”
Former President Kenyatta, attending the event at the invitation of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, delivered the keynote address, which centered on youth leadership, Africa’s transformation, and the continent’s future. He emphasized that Africa’s progress depends not on external forces but on the vision, innovation, and integrity of its young people.
“We have been told of the great wealth beneath Africa’s soil, but our greatest resource is within the minds and hearts of our young people,” Kenyatta stated.
“You are not leaders of tomorrow; you are leaders of today who are shaping tomorrow.”
He commended the awardees for choosing service over self, community over comfort, and vision over fear.
“Each of these young men and women chose service over self, community over comfort, and vision over fear. We honor not just what they have done, but who they have become.”
Rejoice Waithera: Kenya’s pride on the continental stage
For Waithera, the Star Prize represents not only personal achievement but also a milestone for Kenyan youth in continental leadership.
Her recognition underscores a generation of Africans increasingly shaping the narrative of development, innovation, and social impact.
The awards, founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, are designed to spotlight Africa’s emerging leaders, offering mentorship, visibility, and support in areas such as education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s vision for Africa’s youth
During the ceremony, Kenyatta also praised Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for creating a platform that instills purpose and responsibility among young Africans.
He acknowledged former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, affectionately called “Baba,” for his role in mentoring Africa’s next generation.
“May Africa rise—built by Africans, strengthened by our unity, and guided by leaders committed to service,” Kenyatta said in his New Year goodwill message.
He further stressed that Africa does not lack ideas, energy, or talent, but requires leaders anchored in values, accountability, and vision. True leadership, he added, is measured not by titles but by positive transformation in people’s lives.
The significance of the Future Africa Leaders Awards
The FALA awards have evolved into one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms for youth recognition. By spotlighting leaders like Waithera, the awards highlight:
- Innovative approaches to social challenges
- Dedication to community service
- Exceptional achievements in arts, science, and entrepreneurship
- Continental collaboration and mentorship
This year’s ceremony reinforced the belief that Africa’s greatest resource is its people, with emphasis on youth as the continent’s engine of growth and change.
A proud moment for Kenya
For Kenya, Waithera’s Star Prize win reaffirms the country’s role in producing influential and globally competitive young leaders.
Former President Kenyatta described her recognition as evidence that Kenyan youth continue to shine on global platforms, driving positive change and inspiring peers across the continent.
“This recognition reflects the growing impact of young Kenyan leaders in driving positive change across Africa,” the Office of the 4th President of Kenya stated.
The Future Africa Leaders Awards 2025 not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted a continental vision for Africa’s future, where integrity, service, and leadership define success.
Rejoice Waithera’s achievement, coupled with Kenyatta’s call for value-driven youth leadership, signals a new era of African leadership rooted in vision, courage, and service.
As 2026 begins, the message is clear: Africa’s transformation is in the hands of its young leaders, and Kenya is leading by example.
