Friedrich Naumann Foundation Kenya

19/06/2026

International development cooperation is facing its deepest legitimacy and financing test in decades. On June 22-23 in Nairobi, FNF Global Partnership Hub convenes policy leaders, economists, entrepreneurs and practitioners to ask how cooperation can move from aid dependency to co-created growth, market expansion and human dignity.

18/06/2026

As Kenya’s 2027 elections draw closer, a new generation of political leaders is stepping forward. In this values-driven leadership training hosted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for young Orange Democratic Movement ODM 🍊 aspirants, participants in Mombasa explore what it means to lead with integrity, accountability, and democratic principles. From political strategy to ethical leadership, the sessions are shaping how they engage with citizens and prepare for public office. Video in the comment

10/06/2026

“Africa is an emerging continent and will play a crucial role in shaping the future international order.” 🌍 — Ralf Erbel, FNF Nairobi Director

As global power dynamics continue to shift, Africa is becoming increasingly important—not only as a strategic partner, but as a key actor in shaping the world of tomorrow.

In this conversation, Ralf Erbel, German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth, and academy facilitator Sven Verst share their perspectives on Africa’s growing geopolitical significance and why Germany should pay closer attention to the continent.

06/06/2026

Day 3 of the Leadership Development and Political Education Training in Mombasa County.

05/06/2026

Kenya and South Africa share more than history, they share a responsibility to turn partnership into real opportunities for people.

In her latest article, Judie Kaberia of FNF Kenya reflects on President William Ruto’s State Visit to South Africa, where trade, investment, AfCFTA, mobility and regional cooperation took centre stage.

The message is clear: beyond ceremony and statements, the true test of cooperation is whether it delivers for citizens, entrepreneurs, young people and businesses across both countries.

President Ruto’s South Africa visit shifts focus from ceremony to citizens: freer trade, mobility and AfCFTA must deliver real opportunities for entrepreneurs, youth and communities in both nations.

04/06/2026

Day Two: Leadership Development and Political Education Training.

Privileged to tap from the expertise of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) through Mr. Douglas Bargorett, Ag Manager, Litigations and Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) Executive Director, Franklin Mukwanja. Key take-away was this quote borrowed from BERTOLT BRECHT. "The worst illiterate is the political illiterate. He does not hear, does not speak, nor participate in political events. He does not know that the cost of living, the price of beans, of fish, of flour, of rent, of shoes and medicine all depend on political decisions. The political illiterate is so stupid that he is proud and swells his chest to say that he hates politics. He does not know that from his political ignorance comes the pr******te, the abandoned child, the robber and, worst of all, the corrupt politician,” Mukwanja quoted.

03/06/2026

Day One: FNF is in Mombasa this week for a three-day Leadership Development and Political Education Training, bringing together a vibrant group of emerging political leaders and aspiring candidates in the coastal region.

Through mentors and experts, the training provides a platform for young leaders to deepen their understanding of democratic governance, leadership, constitutionalism, and the electoral process as they prepare to play a greater role in political leadership.

At FNF, we believe that democracy thrives when young people are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in political processes and public life.

26/05/2026

“Most people know how to analyze geopolitics, but they don’t know how to think about geopolitics in terms of future development.” — 🌍

The FNF Nairobi Geopolitical Academy ensured participants experienced not just theory, but practice through simulations mirroring real-world diplomatic negotiations and international decision-making.

Through intense discussions, agreements, and disagreements, participants experienced firsthand how nations pursue their interests—and how a single decision can create ripple effects across multiple countries.

Above all, one message remained clear: geopolitics is not distant or abstract. It is real, present, and deeply connected to everyday life.

29/01/2026

FNF was honored to host the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), one of our valued partners in Kenya.

Led by Executive Director Mbori, alongside Program Manager Lilian Museka and Peter Mwangi, the AMWIK team presented the organization’s strategic priorities for 2026. The discussion focused on the upcoming electioneering period, gender equality in society, and the critical role of the media in shaping inclusive and informed public debate.

FNF Director Ralf Erbel thanked AMWIK for the study on women’s political representation launched last year, emphasizing the importance of data in informing effective interventions. He noted that the study provides an important blueprint for guiding how women in politics are reported in the media and for promoting equal opportunities for women to exercise their democratic rights as both voters and candidates as the country gears up for the 2027 General Election. He was flanked by Judie Kaberia, Senior Project Manager at FNF.

23/01/2026

What does it really take to enter a new market?
5 Kenyan entrepreneurs stepped out of classroom theory and into the realities of cross-border trade, spending a full week immersed in Tanzania’s business ecosystem.

They didn’t just learn new markets they met them:
✨Startup association shaping the ecosystem
✨Banks unpacking access to capital
✨NGOs supporting enterprise growth
✨Manufacturers on the ground
✨Communication agencies driving market entry

From regulatory requirements and compliance to payments, logistics, and partnerships, the experience challenged old assumptions and forced new thinking.