Kenya School of Government Eyes Continental Role in Humanitarian Policy Training

Kenya School of Government is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening Africa’s humanitarian response capacity following high-level talks between its Director General, Prof Nura Mohamed, and a senior United Nations official.

During the meeting, Prof Mohamed hosted Lisa Fergusson-Nicol of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), who serves as Senior Liaison Adviser to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Their discussions centered on a potential partnership to deliver the African Union Humanitarian Law and Policy Training Programme, widely known as the Livingstone Syllabus.

The proposed collaboration would see the Kenya School of Government host the continental programme, aimed at equipping policymakers and public servants with practical skills to address increasingly complex humanitarian challenges across Africa.

Speaking after the engagement, officials highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative at a time when the continent faces rising cases of forced displacement, conflict, and climate-related emergencies. The programme is designed to strengthen policy responses by aligning international humanitarian standards with Africa-specific realities.

Prof Mohamed’s push to bring the Livingstone Syllabus to Kenya signals a broader effort to position the institution as a regional hub for governance and policy excellence. Observers note that the move reflects a shift toward proactive capacity building—training leaders not just to respond to crises, but to anticipate and manage them effectively.

The Livingstone Syllabus is recognized as a key framework for harmonizing humanitarian action among African Union member states. It places strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring that vulnerable populations such as refugees and internally displaced persons remain central to policy design and implementation.

The meeting also underscored growing cooperation between regional institutions and international organizations. UNHCR and the Economic Commission for Africa bring technical expertise and global experience, while the Kenya School of Government offers localized knowledge and training infrastructure.

Analysts say such partnerships are critical in addressing transnational humanitarian challenges, which require coordinated, multi-stakeholder approaches.

If implemented, the programme is expected to enhance the skills of public servants across the continent, strengthen institutional resilience, and promote more coordinated humanitarian responses.

The initiative further reinforces Kenya’s emerging role as a leader in public sector transformation and regional policy development.

As Africa continues to navigate evolving humanitarian pressures, stakeholders view the partnership as a timely intervention that could shape a new generation of leaders equipped to respond with efficiency, coordination, and compassion.