Through Study Abroad Programme, Carleton University students engage with youth organisations and innovations in Kenya.
The 2026 Carleton University Institute of African Studies (IAS) experiential learning Study Abroad course (AFRI 3100 or AFRI 5100) brought together students, faculty members, university leaders, researchers, activists and community leaders from Canada and Kenya to explore the dynamic role of African youth in shaping political, social, technological, and cultural transformations across the continent under the theme “Social Movements, Technological Innovations, and Youth Agency in Africa”.
From May 4–15, 2026 a group of students and faculty from Carleton University’s Institute of African Studies (IAS) completed a two-week study abroad programme in Kenya, hosted by Daystar University under the theme “Social Movements, Technological Innovations, and Youth Agency in Africa”. The programme brought together students, faculty members, university leaders, researchers, activists and community leaders from Canada and Kenya to explore the dynamic role of African youth in shaping political, social, technological, and cultural transformations across the continent. The initiative was coordinated Dr. Nduka Otiono, Director of Carleton’s Institute of African Studies in partnership with Daystar University’s School of Communication and the Directorate of Open, Distance, and Electronic Learning (ODeL) represented by Dr. Lydia Radoli.
The opening ceremony at Daystar University’s Nairobi campus featured remarks from senior academic leaders, including Prof. Samuel Muriithi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research, and Student Affairs; Dr Lydia Radoli, Director of ODeL and Daystar’s Study Abroad Coordinator; and Prof. Nduka Otiono, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Carleton University. The speakers highlighted the importance of international academic collaboration and experiential learning in understanding contemporary African realities.
A keynote presentation by Prof. Kivutha Kibwana examined the role of youth agencies in Kenyan politics, emphasising how young people continue to influence democratic participation and social change. Participants also engaged with Daystar University’s media studios, explored digital storytelling tools, and discussed the power of media representation in influencing perceptions of Africa and its future.
Throughout the programme, students attended workshops led by distinguished scholars and practitioners, including Professor Wandia Njoya, Dr Wangui Kimari, Professor Levi Obonyo, and media strategist Harry Misiko. The discussions focused on youth cultures, digital mobilisation, technological innovation, media development, and the transformative impacts of social movements in contemporary Africa.
Beyond the classroom, participants explored key sites across Kenya, including Nairobi National Park, Konza Technopolis, Nanyuki, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Cultural immersion activities allowed students to engage with local communities, entrepreneurs, artists, and storytellers while gaining firsthand insight into Kenya’s innovation ecosystem and rich cultural heritage.
The programme concluded at Daystar’s Athi River Campus with a high-level courtesy call, and the final session focused on strengthening future collaborations between Daystar and Carleton University. Discussions explored opportunities for expanded research partnerships, student and faculty exchanges, experiential learning initiatives, and collaborative responses to global challenges. A tree-planting ceremony symbolises the growing relationship between the two institutions and their shared commitments to sustainable development and international engagement.
Reflecting on the programme, participants emphasised the value of experiential learning and cross-cultural exchanges in deepening their understanding of Africa’s rapidly evolving social and technological landscapes. The study abroad programme reaffirmed the importance of youth leadership, innovation, and international partnerships in shaping Africa’s future and strengthening global academic cooperation.
The 2026 Study Abroad Programme marks another milestone in the growing partnership between Carleton University and Daystar University and demonstrates the transformative impact of international education in preparing students to engage meaningfully with global issues.
The annual experiential learning study abroad course—cross-listed as AFRI 3100 (undergraduate) and AFRI 5100 (graduate)—takes students to an African country to study a specialized topic alongside a Carleton professor in which the professor carries out research. The students also learn from experts on the topic in the African country (or countries). This is an experiential learning course that utilizes a blend of in class seminar, field visits, guest instructors, and other practical methods of delivering the content. The course focuses on a selected topic in the instructor’s area of research and examines current issues within the Country of study, the Continent and the World at large.
Past study abroad course link: https://carleton.ca/africanstudies/undergraduate-studies/ias-study-abroad-course/
Selected pictures_ Study Abroad _ Nairobi Kenya – May 2026
