Chapter Leadership

The Leadership Team 

The Leadership Team  serves as the core governing body of a Kujia Chapter, responsible for strategic oversight, effective management, and coordination of all chapter activities. This Team ensures that the chapter operates smoothly, stays aligned with Kujia’s Vision ,  mission and values, and guiding principles and delivers impactful programs to its members and community.

Composition of the Leadership Team 

The Leadership Team  is composed of the following members:

• Chapter Chairperson
  The overall leader and primary representative of the chapter. The Chair provides strategic direction, leads chapter  meetings, and serves as the key liaison between the chapter and the broader Kujia organization.
• Chapter Secretary
  Responsible for managing chapter documentation, coordinating Chapter meetings, maintaining accurate records, and handling communications both within the chapter and with external stakeholders.
• Chapter Treasurer
  Oversees the chapter’s financial management, including budgeting, tracking income and expenses, and ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting.
• Chairs of the 16 Program Committees
  Each of Kujia’s 16 Signature Programs has a dedicated committee at the chapter level. The Chairpersons of these program committees serve as representative  members of their committees , bringing insights and updates from their respective programs. This structure fosters integrated planning and collaborative decision-making.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Leadership Team 

• Strategic Planning: Develop and oversee the chapter’s strategic goals and priorities, ensuring alignment with Kujia’s overall vision and mission.
• Program Coordination: Facilitate effective collaboration among the 16 program committees to maximize impact and resource sharing.
• Governance: Uphold Kujia’s guiding principles and ensure compliance with organizational policies and standards.
• Resource Management: Oversee the efficient use of chapter resources, including finances, volunteers, and materials.
• Communication: Serve as the communication bridge between chapter members, Kujia National Secretariat, and external partners.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Track the progress and outcomes of chapter activities and programs, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired results.
• Conflict Resolution: Address any issues or conflicts within the chapter promptly and fairly to maintain a positive and inclusive environment.

Leadership Team Meetings

The Leadership Team  meets regularly—typically weekly —to review progress, discuss challenges, and plan upcoming activities. Minutes of meetings are documented and shared with the Leadership Team Members , the agency and Kujia Kenya to promote transparency.

Program Committees

Each Kujia Chapter has 16 Program Committees, each dedicated to one of Kujia’s Signature Programs. These committees are the backbone of the chapter’s programmatic activities, responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering specialized initiatives that equip final year college and university students , graduates and digital entrepreneurs with digital skills, entrepreneurial training, and leadership opportunities.

Composition of a Program Committee

Each Program Committee is structured with the following leadership roles:

• Chair:
  Leads the committee, sets priorities, coordinates activities, and represents the committee in the chapter’s Leadership Committee.
• Secretary:
  Manages committee communications, schedules meetings, records minutes, and maintains documentation.
• Treasurer:
  Oversees the financial resources allocated to the program, manages budgets, and ensures transparent use of funds.
• Committee Members:
  Actively participate in program activities, volunteer in events, contribute skills, and help drive the program’s success.

Roles and Responsibilities of Program Committees

• Program Implementation:
  Organize and deliver training sessions, workshops, mentorship programs, and other activities specific to their program’s focus area.
• Community Engagement:
  Recruit and engage youth participants, volunteers, and partners relevant to their program.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
  Track progress, document outcomes, and report regularly to the Leadership Committee on achievements and challenges.
• Collaboration:
  Work closely with other program committees to create synergy, share resources, and support cross-program initiatives.
• Innovation and Improvement:
  Continuously seek feedback from members and stakeholders to improve program delivery and impact.

Focus Areas of Kujia Program Committees

Qualifications and Competencies to Be a Leader at a Kujia Chapter

Leadership within a Kujia Chapter requires individuals who are committed, capable, and aligned with Kujia’s Vision ,mission, Core values, guiding principles and programs of Kujia . Leaders are expected to uphold high standards of integrity, service, and community engagement. The following are the official qualifications and competencies required for all chapter leadership roles, including Chapter Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Program Committee Chairs, Treasurers, and Secretaries.

Minimum Qualifications

• Age Requirement: Must be final year college and university students , graduates and digital entrepreneurs between 20–35 years old. This age range ensures leadership roles are filled by youth with fresh energy and relatability to their peers.
• Kenyan Citizenship:
  Must be a Kenyan citizen with valid proof of ID — except for those leading in diaspora branches of the Diaspora Chapter located outside Kenya, where citizenship is not mandatory.
• Local Residency or Remotely  Must reside in the area or originally from the area and frequently visits  where the chapter is formed, ensuring familiarity with the local context, needs, and final year college and university students , graduates and digital entrepreneurs dynamics.
• Certificate of Good Conduct: A valid Certificate of Good Conduct is required for all Kenya-based leaders, demonstrating a commitment to integrity and ethical leadership.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent Communication Skills (Written and Verbal): Leaders must be able to articulate ideas clearly, motivate members, document reports, and represent the chapter in both internal and public forums.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Collaboration is central to Kujia’s model. Leaders must build strong relationships, manage teams with empathy, and create inclusive, respectful environments.
• Basic Digital Literacy: Since Kujia operates in the digital space, leaders must be comfortable using ICT tools like email, Google Docs, Zoom, and have at least foundational knowledge of digital marketing or ICT.
• Passion for final year college and university students , graduates and digital entrepreneurs Empowerment: Kujia looks for purpose-driven leaders who are genuinely committed to uplifting youth, promoting digital inclusion, and addressing unemployment through innovation.
• Community Engagement: Leaders must be rooted in and responsive to their community’s needs. They should be proactive in mobilizing final year college and university students , graduates and digital entrepreneurs, organizing events, and building partnerships at the grassroots level.
• Project or Volunteer Experience (Preferred): Experience coordinating final year college and university students , graduates and digital entrepreneurs projects or volunteering gives leaders an advantage in planning, execution, and team management.
• Leadership and Coordination Skills: Leaders must be capable of organizing people and programs effectively, overseeing events and training sessions, and managing committees for results.
• Multitasking and Cross-Functional Collaboration: With multiple active committees and activities, leaders must juggle tasks efficiently and coordinate across different functions and teams.

This qualification framework ensures that Kujia Chapter leaders—whether in Kenya or abroad—are competent, values-driven, and equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities through digital empowerment and innovation.

Kujia Chapter Elections and Leadership Transition

Chapter Year Cycle

Each Kujia Chapter operates on a fixed 24-month cycle:

• Start of Chapter Year: 1st January 
• End of Chapter Year: 31st December 

This alignment allows all Kujia Chapters—whether in counties, constituencies, or diaspora networks—to operate in sync with the national Kujia calendar.

Election Timing

• Election Deadline: Chapter elections must be held before 14th November after every 2 years . Only active Chapter leaders and committee members are allowed to participate in voting of chapter leaders.
• Transition Date: Elected leaders assume office on 1st January , the official start of the new chapter year.
• Chapter Leaders  Nominations : Must be nominated within 7 Months before elections by past and present chapter leaders  by the elected leadership group.
• Chapter leaders who assume office after 1st January will serve up to the next annual chapter leadership elections  period that are done in the same period across all the chapters. 

Term Duration and Limits

• Term Length: Each elected leadership term lasts two (2) years except for those who may start their term after 1st of January of Kujia Chapters Leadership period with the first 2 years of Chapter Leadership starting on 1st January 2026.
• Maximum Terms: Leaders may serve a maximum of three (3) terms, whether consecutive or non-consecutive (totaling six (6) years of leadership service).

This system balances continuity and renewal, offering experienced leaders a meaningful runway while ensuring opportunities for new leadership to emerge.

Eligibility to Run for Chapter Leadership

General Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for any elected leadership role within a Kujia Chapter, a candidate must:

• Have been a Kujia an active Kujia Committee member for at least Seven (7) Months , and
• Have been nominated by a past or present Kujia Chapter leader who has served well during their time as Chapter leader.

This requirement ensures that leaders have sufficient experience, commitment, and understanding of Kujia’s structure and impact.

Top Leadership Positions

The highest roles within a chapter—Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer—are reserved for:

• Current Program Chairs of one of the 16 Kujia Signature Program Committees.
• Elected through a majority vote by the chapter’s active membership.

This ensures that top leaders are individuals already trusted to manage core programs and have proven leadership at the committee level.

Founding Leaders Exception

In the initial formation of a new chapter, some of the standard eligibility criteria (such as 7 Months  of prior Kujia membership or serving as a Program Chair) may be waived to support chapter establishment.

• These exceptions are granted by the Chapters Program Team at Kujia Kenya.
• The goal is to ensure strong, passionate, and available founding leaders can be appointed to initiate operations in counties, constituencies, and diaspora communities.

This flexibility enables Kujia to expand its grassroots footprint while still maintaining a strong accountability framework during the chapter’s growth phase.

Sequential Leadership Model

To ensure leadership continuity and mentorship, Kujia uses a Leader-Elect succession system.

Year 1: Active Leader + Leader-Elect Election

• The incumbent leader serves actively.
• A Leader-Elect is elected by 14th November , ready to begin mentorship.

Year 2: Continued Leadership + Leader-Elect Priming

• The incumbent leader continues their second year.
• The Leader-Elect engages in a 12-month mentorship phase, gaining experience and insight.

1st January: Leadership Handover

• The Leader-Elect takes over as the new active leader.
• A new Leader-Elect is then chosen to continue the cycle.

This model ensures each chapter always has:

• One Active Leader
• One Leader-Elect being mentored

This approach to elections and leadership development ensures Kujia Chapters are led with consistency, foresight, and a deep commitment to youth empowerment in Kenya and the diaspora.

Code of Conduct for Elected Leaders

Elected leaders of Kujia Chapters hold positions of trust and responsibility. To maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service, all leaders agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

1. Integrity and Honesty

• Leaders shall act with honesty, transparency, and fairness in all chapter activities and decisions.
• They must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts immediately to the leadership group.
• Leaders shall not misuse chapter resources or authority for personal gain.

2. Commitment and Accountability

• Leaders are expected to actively participate in meetings, programs, and events.
• They must fulfill their duties diligently and be accountable to the membership and Kujia Kenya.
• Leaders shall deliver on commitments and communicate promptly if challenges arise.

3. Respect and Inclusivity

• Leaders shall treat all members, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders with respect and dignity.
• They must promote an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment, free from discrimination, harassment, or intimidation.
• Gender equity and youth empowerment should be prioritized in decision-making and representation.

4. Confidentiality

• Leaders must maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information related to chapter members, operations, and partnerships.
• Confidential information shall not be shared outside the chapter without explicit permission.

5. Professionalism

• Leaders shall conduct themselves professionally in all communications and interactions, representing Kujia positively.
• They must adhere to Kujia’s values, vision, and mission at all times.

6. Collaboration and Teamwork

• Leaders shall work collaboratively with the leadership group, program committees, volunteers, and the broader Kujia community.
• They must promote unity and resolve conflicts constructively and respectfully.

7. Compliance with Laws and Policies

• Leaders are expected to comply with all relevant Kenyan laws, regulations, and Kujia policies.
• They must uphold ethical standards consistent with Kujia’s guiding principles and the broader youth empowerment mission.

8. Continuous Learning and Growth

• Leaders shall seek ongoing personal and professional development to better serve Kujia.
• They are encouraged to mentor and support upcoming leaders within the chapter.

Violation of the Code of Conduct may result in review and potential disciplinary action by the Kujia Chapter leadership and/or Kujia Kenya’s Chapters Program Team, including warnings, suspension, or removal from leadership roles.

By accepting election or appointment, leaders commit to embodying this Code of Conduct and upholding Kujia’s standards of excellence and service.

Starting a New Kujia Chapter

Requirements

To successfully start a new Kujia Chapter, the following must be in place:

• Leadership Identified: A dedicated Lead and 2 Co-Lead committed to driving the chapter’s formation and growth. The lead become the chairperson and the 2 co-leads become the secretary and treasurer.
• Founding Programs Chairs: 16 active founding chairpersons of each program  ready to participate and support the chapter’s activities.
• Founding Programs Committee – Officials – The Founding Program Chair, secretary and Treasurer.
• The Founding Chapter Members: The Founding Leadership Committee, The Founding Programs Committee, and at least 3-10 members per Program Committee 
• Vision , Mission Alignment: Founders must demonstrate clear alignment with Kujia’s Vision , mission and goals, committed to youth empowerment through digital skills and entrepreneurship.
• Approval: Formal approval and endorsement from Kujia Chapters Program Team  are mandatory before the chapter can be officially established.