This summer TWU graduate students in the Master of Arts in Leadership program embarked on an exciting, immersive travel study through the vibrant country of Kenya. Their journey spanning three weeks, 10 time zones, and visits to 14 organizations and multiple cities brought countless learning and unforgettable friendships.
Encountering wisdom and hope
From Kenya's university campuses and school classrooms to community hospitals, village churches, and youth empowerment workshops—TWU graduate students, faculty, and staff encountered a nation full of wisdom, complexity, and hope.
The trip that took place during May and June was the MA Leadership program’s inaugural international travel study—an enriching learning experience that was the product of many years of thoughtful planning and collaboration among staff and faculty in TWU GLOBAL. The Kenya travel study was headed up by Dr. Imbenzi George, Dr. Derrick Mohamed, and Mrs. Debbie Mohamed, and organized and supported by many members of the TWU GLOBAL team.
Seventeen MA Leadership students from seven different nations participated in this 2025 inaugural trip to Kenya, making Trinity Western School of Graduate Studies history.
TWU's MA Leadership program is distinct for its emphasis on transformational and values-based leadership. The graduate degree program offers four leadership streams: Business, Education, Health Care, General stream as well as several certificate options.
Students who joined the travel study came back brimming with reports and reflections that showed how transformative this experience was. Upon their return, student groups presented their trip summaries through a seminar with students, staff, and faculty in attendance.
"We didn’t just witness a new culture; we connected with people whose deep desire to learn, grow, and rise was both humbling and inspiring."
More than memories
One group of students expressed, “Our time in Kenya gave us more than memories, it gave us a different experience to carry forward and share. We didn’t just witness a new culture; we connected with people whose deep desire to learn, grow, and rise was both humbling and inspiring. Their drive reminded us that education is not taken for granted, it’s treasured. And that spirit is something we’ll carry with us, always...”
"The elders we met had lived through decades of struggle, yet they welcomed us with grace and smiles… We left feeling humbled, realizing how often the wisdom of the elderly is overlooked."
Leadership in action, across sectors and settings
The travel study began in Nairobi with a youth leadership session hosted by the Amina LIVE Foundation, where students engaged with passionate young leaders committed to social change. Guest speaker Manoah Esipisu, Kenya’s former High Commissioner to the UK, challenged students to “lead with purpose and authenticity.” For some students, this speech set the tone for the weeks ahead.
Entrepreneurship and resilience
Later visits to organizations like AAA Growers, Mama Ibado Charities, and Voice of Hope revealed how ethical leadership, contingency planning, and community-based models are shaping Kenya’s future. At AAA Growers, students saw how the company navigated COVID-era challenges with trust and strategic resilience. At Mama Ibado, students distributed food and supplies to elders and reflected on their own leadership values.
Local strengths and innovation
One group reported: “At Mama Ibado Foundation, students witnessed dignity in its truest form. The elders we met had lived through decades of struggle, yet they welcomed us with grace and smiles… We left feeling humbled, realizing how often the wisdom of the elderly is overlooked.”
"Wherever we went in Kenya, we didn’t just pass through, we connected, we listened, and we left behind something lasting: not just a smile, but a piece of our hearts."
Education that transforms lives
Education was a central theme of the journey. Students visited Nyandarua National Polytechnic, Laikipia University, Ndururumo High School, and Friends Secondary School Shamakhokho, where they observed instruction and dialogued with staff and students about equity and access, cultural and social dynamics in the classroom, and systemic issues that impact learning.
Through hands-on interactions and candid discussions, students and administrators reflected on cultural norms around gender, merit-based admissions, and the value of vocational training in building national resilience. At each stop, they asked: What does visionary leadership look like in this context?
Lasting connections
One group that included students Athira, Ann Mary, Indunil, and Tshering, remarked, "Wherever we went in Kenya, we didn’t just pass through, we connected, we listened, and we left behind something lasting: not just a smile, but a piece of our hearts. And in return, we carried theirs with us."
“This [conference] reinforced the power of a biblically-rooted worldview in leadership training.”
Global dialogue and academic exchange
At Pan Africa Christian University, TWU students joined an international academic conference, where they heard from African scholars and TWU faculty speakers. Dr. Phil Laird, TWU vice president of Innovation, Global & Academic Partnerships, was the keynote speaker for the two-day conference on the theme of sustainability. Other TWU conference presenters included Dr. Imbenzi George, Dr. Derrick Mohamed, and Dr. Ruth Anaya. The multi-disciplinary conference covered important topics such as ethical leadership, AI and global change, systems thinking, and the spiritual dimension of innovation.
One student remarked on the experience of this collaborative conference between TWU and Pan Africa Christian University: “This reinforced the power of a biblically-rooted worldview in leadership training.”
At Kibabii University, students met with Professor Julius, the deputy vice chancellor for partnerships, research, and innovation, who explained the structure and functioning of their School of Education. Through discussions with university leaders, students explored how contextual and faith-informed practices influence institutional direction. Listening to school administrators explain their commitment to inclusive policy and excellence provided students with insight into strategic planning in real-world settings.
“These conversations reminded us of the importance of holistic student support systems,” one student remarked.
Healthcare leadership rooted in community care
During visits to Nyahururu County Referral Hospital and Kakamega County Hospital, students observed the challenges of delivering healthcare in resource-limited contexts—and the creativity and compassion required to overcome them.
“The experience helped students foster an others-focused mindset, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and positive culture for sustainable impact,” students reflected.
Through conversations about maternity care, disease prevention, and family planning, students began to connect curriculum planning with real-world public health priorities.
Students also visited Kakamega Ministry of Health, where they learned about Kenya's health system and their focus on self-reliance, accountability, and internal resource development.
One student team that included members Jennylene, Santrice, and Ravjot, reflected, "Each encounter reminded us of the power of empathy, cultural humility, and intentional leadership. This journey has not only expanded our perspectives but has transformed us, both personally and professionally, as we seek to lead with purpose and compassion in our own communities."
“The experience helped students foster an others-focused mindset, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and positive culture for sustainable impact."
Faith communities and shared humanity
The group also visited Shikokho Friends Church, a local village congregation where they were welcomed into a powerful time of worship. “The Friends Church was not just a place of worship; it was a living testimony of community,” one student noted. “Despite language and cultural differences, students felt the spiritual warmth and connection that only shared humanity can bring.”
Childhood and moments of connection
At Mukumu Children’s Home, students played with children living with HIV and experienced moments of joyful connection. “In their giggles and games, we rediscovered parts of ourselves, the part that knows love doesn’t need language, and that presence is the greatest gift we can offer.”
Resilience, empowerment, and youth leadership
Students were especially moved by stories of perseverance and purpose among Kenya’s youth and women leaders. At the Amina LIVE Foundation’s career coaching session, students met Shiela—a communications graduate and government worker advocating for climate action—and Rose, a women’s empowerment volunteer pursuing postgraduate education.
At Voice of Hope, students met women returning to education later in life. “Meeting widows pursuing education reminded us that it’s never too late to chase one’s dreams. Their resilience, hope, and determination deeply inspired us.”
Reflections on servant leadership and global calling
As part of their MA Leadership coursework, students recorded their travel study reflections and collaborated in teams to develop multimedia presentations summarizing their key learnings. The impact of their journeys was evident in their digital portfolios, oral presentations, and creative videos.
One group shared of their impressions of the Kenya trip, “What touched us most was the warmth of the people, the way they welcomed us not just with words, but with action… Their hospitality wasn’t just kind, it was deeply human.”
A journey that continues
Students returned to TWU not only with broadened perspectives, but with a renewed sense of purpose, calling, and commitment to community-based leadership. In the end, they each gained immensely and developed as servant leaders:
“Each of these experiences taught us something profound about compassion, humility, and interconnectedness.”
“We came to give, but we received so much more.”
About the MA Leadership program at TWU
The Master of Arts in Leadership at TWU is designed to develop emerging leaders to become confident and effective servant-leaders for the 21st Century. The program is offered with two foundational curriculum themes: Transformational Servant Leadership and Values-Based Leadership. Learn more at the MA in Leadership at TWU.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.
Photos submitted by MA Leadership students and faculty members.