Forged in Fire: Celebrating the Heroes of KNLA Cohort 4
Every year, countless young people in underserved communities face a difficult crossroads after high school. Plagued by challenges like limited opportunities, low self-esteem, and a sense of hopelessness, their potential often gets lost. But what if they had a chance to ignite their inner strength, become leaders, and break the cycle of poverty? That’s the core mission of the Kuna Nuru Leadership Academy (KNLA), a program by BPL Kenya. In 2025, we welcomed our fourth cohort—90 determined, bright-eyed individuals ready to embark on a transformative journey. This post is a celebration of their incredible story.
More Than a Program, It’s a Movement
Since our first pilot program in 2022 with just 12 fellows, KNLA has grown exponentially. In 2023, we trained 47 fellows; in 2024, 90; and this year, another 90. Each year, we’ve refined our curriculum based on our experiences, ensuring we meet the real needs of our youth.
The goal is simple yet powerful: to equip these young people with the leadership skills and self-efficacy needed to become change agents in their communities. We want them to not just dream of a better future, but to be equipped to build it for themselves and others .
The Journey Begins: A Rigorous Selection Process
Our recruitment for Cohort 4 was a testament to the hunger for change in these communities. Starting in October 2024, we received applications from 188 students from Kawangware, Kibera, and Kangemi. The interview process revealed some critical insights, and due to our limited resources, we were able to take in only 90 students. Insight highlights:
- A Desire to Lead: 98% of the applicants came from marginalized communities, with most expressing a strong desire to grow their leadership skills and share their knowledge with their peers.
- The Hope Gap: A striking 70% of applicants didn’t have clear life goals after high school, often citing financial constraints and high unemployment rates.
- A Spark of Vision: Despite the challenges, an inspiring 90% were able to identify social issues in their communities they wanted to help solve.
After a thorough process, we welcomed 131 students to the program. The journey wasn’t easy, with some fellows dropping out along the way due to college admissions or other challenges. Additionally, the pressure on youth to find jobs to support their families’ income contributed to the dropout rates. In the end, 90 students persevered, completing their passion-based projects and graduating as KNLA heroes..
A 290-Hour Journey of Growth
The KNLA curriculum is a comprehensive, three-level program designed to build a holistic leader.
- Personal Leadership: This initial level is all about self-discovery. Fellows spend 101.5 hours on topics like self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and financial literacy. This year, we added crucial topics like mental health and wellness and responsible social media use based on feedback from previous cohorts.
- Collaborative Leadership: Here, the focus shifts to real-world experience. Students identify an internship site aligned with their passions and complete a minimum of 64 volunteer hours. This year, we saw a remarkable 92 students complete this phase, learning directly from adult mentors in various fields.
- Transformational Leadership: The final stage empowers fellows to put their skills into action. They identify a social issue in their community, develop a project, and see it through to completion. It’s a powerful testament to their ability to create tangible change.
One of the most heartwarming additions this year was the parental engagement sessions. We saw a total of 71 parents attend the program launch, and another 53 at the start of Level 3. Their support was invaluable and directly correlated with a higher graduation rate, proving that a strong community network is essential for success.
Mentors Are Key: A Glimpse into Their Praises
The internship phase is where the KNLA fellows truly shine. Their mentors consistently provided glowing feedback, highlighting their work ethic, growth potential, and adaptability. Quotes from mentors speak volumes about the quality of these young leaders:
- “She is a determined and focused lady. If assisted, she can be a better person in life and in the field.”
- “He works under minimal/no supervision.”
- “Linda is a disciplined and self-motivated teacher. She works under no monitoring at all.”
These mentors didn’t just supervise; they were partners in the fellows’ growth, offering guidance and a window into the professional world.
The Future Is Bright
The KNLA Cohort 4 heroes have not only graduated but have also become powerful examples for their peers. They have proven that with the right guidance and a supportive community, young people can overcome any challenge and become the leaders their communities need.
Their journey is a powerful reminder that investing in youth leadership isn’t just about a program—it’s about building a better, brighter future for everyone.
KNLA Class of 2025 graduation photo