By Hafsa Hassan

On November 14, members of the Young Diplomats Forum (YDF) gained valuable insights into public policy and Kenya’s economic landscape during an educational visit to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA Kenya). The objective of the visit was to expose students to the institutional framework and operations of one of Kenya’s leading public policy think tanks as part of the university’s goal to ensure industry engagement and pragmatic learning.

The students got the opportunity to explore how evidence-based research informs national decision-making. The sessions, facilitated by three IEA officers, featured deeply informative presentations that covered the overview of the organization, its mandate, key focus areas, and public policy processes. The session was an eye-opener on the importance of public participation. Lastly, the students were treated to research and insights about Kenya’s economic status and how the economy of a nation is dependent on various factors.

A key highlight of the sessions was an interactive session on Kenya’s public policy process and civic participation. Through an online simulation game and guided discussions, students explored the six stages of the policy cycle - from problem identification to review - and examined accessible ways citizens can contribute to governance. Many acknowledged that they had never participated in public forums or submitted policy memos before, prompting a deeper appreciation for civic duty and constitutional rights.

Before concluding the day, there was a formal Question-and-Answer session that allowed students to engage directly with IEA experts. Questions ranged from the benefits and risks of public debt, donor influence on think tank independence, and slow industrialization, to the effectiveness of policy recommendations and the link between governance and poverty. The facilitators offered thoughtful, evidence-based insights that emphasized the importance of institutional transparency, productive borrowing, and the role of civil society in shaping national development.