By Alumni Relations Department

On October 28, the USIU-Africa Alumni Relations Department held a CEO Roundtable with Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya, CEO of the NEPAD/APRM Secretariat Kenya. Led by the Head of the Department Mr. Michael Kisilu, this session offered ten students from the International Relations program an opportunity to connect with Dr. Okwiya, a distinguished alumnus who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (Class of 1996) and an MSc in Management and Organizational Development Degree (Class of 1999) from USIU-Africa.

During the roundtable, Dr. Okwiya shared his journey from USIU-Africa to his current leadership role, emphasizing the importance of resilience and continuous learning. He highlighted how these qualities, paired with strategic thinking and educational leadership, have been pivotal to his success. His reflections inspired students to approach their careers with a mindset of adaptability and lifelong growth.

Students also had the opportunity to learn about the organization and day-to-day operations. Dr. Rose Kitur, Director of NEPAD Programmes, Mr. Peter Kimemia, Director of APRM and Governance, and Mr. Maxwell Zange, Director of Corporate Services, shared a detailed overview of NEPAD/APRM’s strategic goals and operational dynamics. This session offered students a comprehensive view of the organization’s impact, leadership approaches, and collaborative initiatives, providing valuable context for understanding real-world applications of governance and development strategies.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, allowing students to ask questions and receive career advice from experienced leaders. This CEO roundtable underscores USIU-Africa’s commitment to bridging academia and industry, providing students with meaningful engagement and guidance from the broader alumni network.