The Future Leaders Challenge Eastern Africa will bring together students, educators, industry leaders and policymakers in Nairobi on October 26–27, 2026, to explore ways of improving youth employment and entrepreneurship in the hospitality and tourism sector.

The two-day event, scheduled to take place at Strathmore University, will focus on developing inclusive opportunities for young people, particularly women and persons with disabilities, to acquire relevant skills, access decent jobs and pursue entrepreneurship.

Participants will examine how innovative solutions can address challenges facing young people while responding to local needs and promoting sustainable development.

The challenge question asks how the hospitality and tourism industry can create accessible pathways for young people to gain skills, secure employment and establish businesses.

According to the event organisers, participating students have spent nine weeks researching the industry challenge before presenting their findings during the live event.

The process is designed to encourage collaboration, innovation and engagement between the next generation of professionals and established industry leaders.

The programme will include student presentations before a business jury, industry workshops, property visits, a recruitment fair and panel discussions involving students and members of the strategic board.

The event will also provide a platform for industry players to exchange ideas with students and gain insights into the expectations and perspectives of the next generation.

Former Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who serves as the challenge’s patron, has called on stakeholders to invest in young people and professionals to help them navigate changes in the sector driven by technology, shifting consumer preferences and growing sustainability demands.

The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between education institutions, government and the private sector while preparing future leaders to respond to emerging industry needs.

Organisers say the platform is built around the principle of community over competition, encouraging participants to share knowledge, build professional networks and work collectively towards solutions that benefit the wider hospitality and tourism industry.

The challenge forms part of broader efforts to develop human capital and promote sustainable growth in the sector across Eastern Africa.