- AC TLA is redefining leadership in Africa by honoring those who lead with integrity, courage, and purpose, proving that ethical leadership can shape societies for the better.
- From emerging Arising Stars to global change-makers, the Awards celebrate a spectrum of leaders whose vision, innovation, and impact transcend borders and sectors.
- Beyond recognition, AC TLA sparks a movement that inspires mentorship, collaboration, and deliberate acts of transformational change across generations.
In an era when the loudest headlines are often shaped by scandal, spectacle, and short lived fame, a quieter but more consequential movement is taking root across Africa and beyond, one that insists leadership must once again be anchored in values, service, and conscience.
On December 12, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, that movement found powerful expression at the Arise Circle Transformational Leadership Awards (AC TLA), convened by Arise Circle Africa. More than a ceremony, the event stood as a deliberate act of resistance against the erosion of ethics in public life and a bold affirmation that honoring good leadership multiplies goodness.
Reigniting a Culture of Honor
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arise Circle Africa, Edinah Kangwana MBS provides the visionary and strategic leadership that anchors the AC Transformational Leadership Awards (AC-TLA). Conceived as the corporate social impact arm of Arise Circle Africa, AC-TLA reflects her deep conviction that leadership development must go beyond theory to deliberate action. Under her stewardship, the Awards were established not merely as a recognition platform, but as a values-driven leadership intervention aimed at restoring Africa’s culture of honor by intentionally celebrating ethical, visionary, and impact-oriented leaders.
Through her address, Ms. Kangwana clearly articulated that AC-TLA challenges conventional leadership narratives that prioritize titles, hierarchy, and positional power. She emphasized that transformational leadership is measured by purpose, integrity, and measurable societal impact, deliberately aligned with national development priorities, continental aspirations, and global development frameworks. Her leadership philosophy situates the Awards as a bridge between leadership ideals and practical, people-centered outcomes that uplift institutions, communities, and nations.
Edinah Kangwana further underscored that meaningful transformation is not abstract or distant, but is generated through small, intentional, and consistent acts of leadership carried out with courage and conviction. In a global environment where negative narratives often dominate public discourse, she positioned AC-TLA as a counter-narrative, one that boldly celebrates good, ethical leadership and honors individuals who continuously choose service, collaboration, and integrity as tools for sustainable change. Her role as Founder therefore extends beyond convening; it is about shaping a continental movement that multiplies goodness by honoring those who lead with values.
At the heart of the 2025 edition was a defining moment, the unveiling of 50 Transformational Leaders 2025, drawn from Kenya, across Africa, and the global community. Together, they represented a leadership ideal rooted not in titles or privilege, but in purpose, impact, and integrity.
A Platform Built on Values, Not Vanity
Since its inception, the AC Transformational Leadership Awards have positioned themselves as a premier continental and global platform dedicated to celebrating ethical, visionary, and impact driven leadership. Anchored in the values of integrity, service, empathy, and excellence, AC TLA recognizes leaders whose influence is reshaping institutions, communities, and societies across borders.
The journey began in December 2024, when the inaugural edition was officiated by one of Africa’s most respected thinkers and statesmen, Prof. PLO Lumumba. His presence did more than grace the event; it affirmed the philosophical foundation of AC TLA, leadership rooted in values, conscience, and service to humanity.
Building on that strong foundation, the second edition in 2025 expanded both its scale and its global reach.
A Ceremony Marked by Honor and Surprise
The 2025 Awards were officiated by two distinguished national and continental leaders, Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka, renowned environmentalist and public servant, and Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, a global development advocate and a leading champion for media integrity and clean content.
In a moment that deeply resonated with the spirit of AC TLA, both officiating dignitaries were themselves honored in surprise by the AC TLA Technical Working Committee. The recognition acknowledged their enduring contributions to public service, governance, ethical leadership, and transformational impact.
It was a symbolic gesture, one that reinforced the Awards’ core philosophy, no one is above honor when service has been rendered with integrity.
Fifty Leaders, One Shared Ethos
The 50 Transformational Leaders 2025 reflected remarkable diversity in geography, discipline, and scale of impact. Honorees hailed from Kenya, the United States of America, India, Indonesia, Liberia, Namibia, South Africa, Australia, and Tanzania underscoring the Awards’ expanding global outlook.
They represented the full spectrum of leadership, C suite executives, founders, principals, scholars, policymakers, human rights champions, educators, innovators, and grassroots leaders. Together, they demonstrated a central truth of AC TLA, transformational leadership transcends titles, sectors, and borders.
Excellence in Education, Leadership, and Innovation
Dr. Esther Ithara Muoria, PhD, EBSPs, Ministry of Education-State Dept of State: Excellence in Public Service, TVET Innovation & Leadership. Dr. Muoria has consistently advanced public service and TVET innovation through visionary leadership.
Pamela Magwaro: Transformative Education Development, STEM & Service. Pamela’s work emphasizes transforming education systems through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while ensuring service to communities remains central.
Dr. Benedictor Nyambura Gichimu: Leadership Consultancy & TVET AI Innovation. Dr. Gichimu drives innovation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), integrating artificial intelligence to shape future leaders.
Emmanuel Wamalwa: Leadership & TVET Excellence. Emmanuel champions leadership development and the advancement of TVET excellence across educational institutions.
Dr. George Ogochi, PhD: Education Leadership Excellence & Innovation. Dr. Ogochi is recognized for pioneering innovative approaches to educational leadership, promoting systemic improvements in institutions.
Gerald Orina: Education Leadership & Institutional Transformation. Gerald focuses on enhancing institutional efficiency and transforming educational leadership practices.
Ptr Dr. Kennedy Obondi: Humanitarian Diplomacy, Leadership & Peace Building. Dr. Obondi merges diplomacy and leadership to promote peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts.
Dr. Maurice Odondo, PhD: Leadership, Governance & Institutional Transformation. Dr. Odondo’s work bridges governance and leadership to foster institutional reforms.
Dr. Patrick Karinga Munuhe: Education, Labour Governance & Multi-Sectoral Leadership. Dr. Munuhe demonstrates remarkable leadership across education, labor, and multi-sectoral governance.
Dr. Makena Mbogori, OGW: Transformative TVET Development. Dr. Mbogori’s initiatives focus on transforming technical and vocational education to meet contemporary societal needs.
Jane Khisa Wanjala Wanyama: Health-Care Leadership & MNCH Excellence. Jane leads efforts in maternal, newborn, and child health, ensuring healthcare excellence and effective leadership in the sector.
Charles Kamunya Nginya: Leadership & Systems Innovation. Charles champions systems thinking and innovation in leadership across diverse organizations.
Dominic Joachim M. Ongeri: Inclusive Education Development. Dominic’s work centers on promoting inclusive and equitable education systems.
Prof. Elijah I. Omwenga, PhD: Digital Higher Education & Institutional Transformation. Prof. Omwenga drives digital innovations that reshape higher education and institutional effectiveness.
Amb. Dr. Vinod L. Ramji, MBS: Global Humanitarian Diplomat. Ambassador Ramji leverages diplomatic platforms to advance humanitarian leadership and global partnerships.
Dr. John Otieno Akola: TVET Development Excellence. Dr. Akola champions technical and vocational education as a key pillar of national development.
Dr. Daniel Randa: Inclusive TVET & Policy Leadership. Dr. Randa ensures that TVET policies are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to societal needs.
Amb. Dr. Aruna Varsani: Global Transformational Leader. Ambassador Varsani exemplifies transformative leadership on a global scale, blending innovation with strategic impact.
Dr. Joseph Awire Wesonga: Leadership, Humanitarianism & Finance. Dr. Wesonga integrates financial expertise with leadership and humanitarian initiatives to drive social change.
George Zephania Onkundi: Education Leadership & Institutional Transformation. George advocates for systemic transformation in education through strategic leadership.
Dr. Evans Bosire Omwenga: Distinguished Leadership in TVET & Sports. Dr. Omwenga combines excellence in technical education with sports leadership.
Dr. Felix Atisa: Leadership, Health Excellence & Service. Dr. Atisa exemplifies commitment to leadership in health service and community impact.
Charles Onyari: Transformational Education Development. Charles is recognized for implementing transformative practices that improve educational systems.
CPA Gilbert Mwavali: Leadership & TVET Excellence. Gilbert focuses on financial governance and leadership within TVET institutions.
Rev. Dennis Nyambegera: Faith Leadership, Peacebuilding & Humanitarian Service. Reverend Nyambegera blends faith-based leadership with peacebuilding and humanitarian service.
Football Leadership Recognition
FKF President Emeritus Hon. Sam Nyamweya, MBS: Life Achievement Award: Football Leadership & Industry Captain. Hon. Nyamweya has been a pioneering force in football administration, guiding the industry with visionary leadership.
Arising Stars
Asha Bashir: Arising Star: Legal & Governance Excellence. Asha is recognized for her emerging leadership in law and governance.
Shamiz Itizam: Arising Star: Coaching & Leadership Development. Shamiz champions youth development and leadership through coaching initiatives.
Peris Ongori: Arising Star: Leadership, IT & Talent Development. Peris combines technology and leadership to nurture talent across sectors.
Doreen Atisa: Arising Star: Micro-Business & Entrepreneurship Development, Youth & Gender Champion. Doreen empowers youth and women through entrepreneurship and social development initiatives.
Linet Moruri: Arising Star: PR & Communications, Mediation & Gender Equality. Linet advances strategic communication and promotes gender equality through mediation and advocacy.
Janet Machuka: Arising Star: Digital Innovation & Strategic Communications. Janet is an emerging leader in digital transformation and communications strategy.
Lifetime Achievement in Leadership and Innovation
Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka, PhD, EBS, SS, FKNAS: Life Achievement: Academic Leadership, Innovation & Environmental Science Development. Prof. Michieka’s contributions span academic leadership, scientific research, and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, PhD, MBS: Leadership & Ethical Media Governance. Dr. Mutua exemplifies integrity and leadership in media regulation and governance.
Benjamin Nyaachi Onkoba, HSC: Lifetime Achievement: Leadership, Business & Humanitarianism. Benjamin’s lifetime contributions span business excellence, leadership, and humanitarian service.
Their recognition affirmed that Africa’s future leadership is not waiting in the shadows, it is already stepping forward.
A Global Community of Honor
Reinforcing its international character, AC TLA 2025 honored outstanding global leaders, including Brenda Ring Wood, Dr. Veney Cochran of the United States, Danyelle Bridges of the United States, Kristy Wilden of the United States, Monique Royal Tucker of the United States, Julia Mokgwetsi of South Africa, and Dr. Jeannetta L. Collier of the United States.
Their inclusion reflected the Awards’ belief that transformational leadership is a shared global responsibility, enriched through cross cultural exchange and collaboration.
Distinguished Women Leaders Shine at AC Transformational Leadership Awards 2025
Earlier, three distinguished women, led by Homa Bay Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga, were honoured with the AC Transformational Leadership Awards, bringing the total number of 2025 honourees to 50. Their exceptional contributions to leadership, governance, and community development were celebrated as part of a landmark recognition of transformative impact across Africa.
Credibility at the Core: The Technical Working Committee
Central to the integrity of AC TLA is its transparent, independent, and merit based selection process. Awardees were chosen through open nominations, documentation review, due diligence, expert inquiry, and validation by an independent jury.
The AC TLA Technical Working Committee, chaired in 2025 by Amb. Linda Creevey of Liberia and Australia, with Dr. Walter Okibo as Vice Chair, emphasized diversity, inclusion, and rigorous vetting. Speaking on behalf of the Chair, Dr. Okibo underscored that credibility remains non negotiable, noting that every honoree must genuinely embody ethical and transformational leadership.
Committee members Amb. Dominic Obadiah, Diaspora Engagement, Edinah Kangwana, MBS, and Amb. Faustine Mwita further reinforced the Awards’ continental and global depth.
Voices That Shaped the Moment
The ceremony was enriched by thought leadership reflections that reinforced AC TLA’s ethos. Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka spoke compellingly on leadership integrity, accountability, and responsibility, urging leaders to trust the process and remain anchored in ethical values during times of transition.
Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, in his address, highlighted the power of strategic collaborations, arguing that partnerships elevate initiatives from local relevance to global influence. He underscored the role of creatives and innovation in shaping narratives, calling for clean content, responsible storytelling, and the intentional celebration of good.
Beyond Awards, a Movement
As the curtains closed on AC TLA 2025, one message echoed clearly, this is not merely an awards ceremony, it is a movement. A movement to restore honor in leadership, to recognize both celebrated and unsung heroes, and to inspire collaboration, mentorship, and purpose driven action across generations.
“When leaders are honored for doing good, goodness multiplies,” reads the Arise Circle Africa credo.
What is celebrated is done. Arise. Lead. Transform.
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