Imagine joining a group of young Kenyan leaders learning world-class skills to transform agriculture. The Kenya Food Fellowship 2025/26 is a 10-month Food Systems Leadership Programme that does just that. Run by the African Food Fellowship (AFF) with Wageningen University & Research, it offers training, networks and hands-on projects to Kenyans working in horticulture, aquaculture or agri-finance. Fellows learn to tackle food security, nutrition and sustainability challenges together. In fact, recent news described the program as “equips them with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to initiate and deliver effective food systems actions”. You’ll get top-notch mentoring and join a continent-wide network of changemakers working for healthy, inclusive food systems.
Fellowship Overview
The Kenya Systems Fellowship brings together 40 Kenyan professionals each year (80 total with Rwanda) to spark change in agriculture. For example, the 2022 class had 40 Kenyan Fellows in Agri-Finance, Aquaculture and Horticulture. These cohorts start with an intensive 10-month leadership program, blending online modules and group projects to strengthen your leadership, networking and food-systems knowledge. By the end you’ll earn a Wageningen University certificate in Food Systems Leadership and formally “graduate into the Kenya Food Fellowship” as a recognized change-maker. The program is backed by top institutions (Wageningen University, Wasafiri Consulting and the IKEA Foundation), so you’ll be learning from experts and innovators in the field.
The fellowship is action-oriented: past Kenyan Fellows designed projects like reducing post-harvest fish losses or turning flower waste into organic fertilizer for smallholder farmers. You’ll work on similar real-world initiatives, guided by mentors, to address hunger, malnutrition and food waste in Kenya. Plus, AFF celebrates these successes in events like Kenya’s annual Transform Food Festival, where Fellows showcase their food systems “actions” to partners and policymakers.
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Who Can Apply?
- Sector: You should be working (or aspiring to work) in horticulture, aquaculture (blue economy) or agri-finance in Kenya. In other words, if your job or studies touch any part of Kenya’s agricultural value chain (from farming to markets or finance), you’re eligible.
- Residency: Applicants must be a legal resident of Kenya – you don’t have to be a citizen, just living and working here. Non-nationals who contribute to Kenya’s food sector are welcome too.
- Age: You must be 45 years old or younger. (This ensures a mix of early- and mid-career leaders.)
- Language & Time: Fluent English (reading/writing) is required, since all training and discussions are in English. You should also be able to commit roughly 4 hours per week to attend sessions and work on the fellowship program.
- Motivation: Importantly, AFF looks for passionate changemakers — people “fueled by an ambition for impact and a hunger for action”. If you care about Kenya’s food future and are ready to learn, you fit right in.
Benefits & Funding
Joining the Kenya Food Fellowship comes with many perks:
- World-class Training: You’ll gain cutting-edge knowledge on food systems change through lectures, case studies and mentorship. For example, expert faculty from Wageningen and local innovators will teach you tools to tackle systemic challenges.
- Certificate & Credentials: Upon completing the program, you earn a Wageningen University certificate in Food Systems Leadership. This credential (a “Certificate of Commitment to Food Systems Transformation”) is highly regarded and will boost your professional profile.
- Lifelong Network: You become part of a vibrant network of food systems leaders. In Kenya, alumni form a “vibrant space with over 120 members” who continue learning, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects. Across Africa, AFF connects you with hundreds of other Fellows who share insights and opportunities. You’ll build relationships with entrepreneurs, scientists, policymakers and fellow farmers who can support your goals.
- Practical Experience: The program emphasizes action. You’ll develop and possibly pilot a small “food systems action” project (like a pilot farming initiative or fintech solution) under guidance. This hands-on experience helps you apply leadership in real life. Past Fellows have tackled issues like malnutrition, food waste and sustainable farming.
- Expert Mentorship: Learn from industry pioneers. The fellowship brings in experienced leaders (from NGOs, agritech, government, etc.) as coaches and guest speakers. You’ll also team up with peers to solve problems collaboratively. AFF leadership stresses that “good leadership is a skill that can be taught”, so they provide the support and tools for you to grow.
- Shared Recognition: Simply being an AFF Fellow is a mark of prestige. Alumni often go on to lead new initiatives or earn promotions. The fellowship highlights their work in media and conferences, giving you visibility.
Program Cost: There is a participation fee (around KSh 94,800 – roughly $800) for the full 10-month program, payable in installments. Importantly, a limited number of scholarships are available to help cover this cost for applicants who need financial assistance. In other words, funding is not a barrier if you have the drive; the fellowship tries to support strong applicants.
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How to Apply: Step by Step
- Prepare Your Application: Visit the official African Food Fellowship website and find the Kenya application form. Be ready to provide your CV, personal details, and short essays on your work and ideas for Kenya’s food system. AFF typically asks about your experience in horticulture/aquaculture/agri-finance and your leadership interests.
- Submit Online: Fill out and submit the online form before the deadline (Cohort 5 closes on 25 April 2025). Double-check all questions and attach any required documents. Early submission is wise – AFF expects high demand!
- Get Confirmation: After applying, you should receive an email confirmation (usually within a week) acknowledging your submission. If you don’t see it, check spam folders. This confirms your application is in the system.
- Interview (if shortlisted): Selected applicants will be invited to a group interview, often conducted online over Zoom. This is typically a 60–90 minute session where you discuss your motivation and ideas with AFF staff and other candidates. Prepare to talk about your projects and why you want to join the fellowship.
- Final Selection: Final results are announced shortly after interviews. If chosen, you’ll receive an official offer. You’ll then complete any enrollment steps (like fee payment or scholarship acceptance) to secure your place.
Ready to apply? Apply Now to start the Kenya Food Fellowship application. (You can also share the link with friends or colleagues who might fit these criteria.)
Important Deadlines
- Application Deadline (Cohort 5): 25 April 2025. No late entries can be considered, so mark your calendar!
- Program Period: The fellowship usually runs ~10 months. For example, a past cohort started in November and ran ten months. Expect this cycle to begin around late 2025, finishing mid-2026.
- Interview Notifications: If shortlisted, you’ll hear about interviews in the weeks after the deadline.
- Keep checking the AFF website or your email for any updates.
Tips for Applicants
- Show Your Passion: Write clearly about why sustainable agriculture matters to you. Share any experience – even small projects or community work – that demonstrates your commitment. AFF looks for heart as much as resume.
- Focus on Impact: Think of a specific problem you’d like to tackle (e.g. reducing food waste, boosting smallholder income, etc.). Briefly outline a creative idea in your application. Concrete examples make your passion believable.
- Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize teamwork. AFF stresses that collaboration is key – as entrepreneur Kris Senanu observed, successful entrepreneurs actively seek partnerships. Mention any group initiatives or leadership roles you’ve held.
- Be Willing to Learn: Remember the program is a learning journey. AFF’s Kenya director Brenda Mareri says “good leadership is a skill that can be taught.” Even if you’re new to formal leadership, stress your eagerness to learn from mentors and peers.
- Stay Professional: Proofread your application. Use clear, natural language. (Think of this application like a job interview – make a strong, positive impression.)
- Network: If possible, connect with past AFF Fellows or alumni in your field. They can offer tips and moral support. Hearing their stories can also give you ideas on what AFF looks for.
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Conclusion
This is your chance to step up as one of Kenya’s future food-system leaders. The Kenya Food Fellowship 2025/26 will sharpen your skills, expand your network, and amplify your impact on Kenyan agriculture. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Apply by the deadline, and share this info with others who care about Kenya’s food future. Together, you’ll build a healthier, more sustainable food system for all.
Be the change-maker Kenya’s food system needs – start your journey today!
