Siasa Place chief executive Nerima Wako has returned from a week-long leadership and governance programme in Brussels under the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP).
Wako said the visit gave her a chance to engage senior policymakers, civic actors and experts shaping continental debates on democracy, digital rights and inclusion.
In a statement shared on X, she said the tour involved meetings at the European Parliament, the European Commission and several civil society organisations based in Brussels.
She described the sessions as informative, noting that they offered practical insights into how democratic institutions adapt to changing political and social demands.
The EU Visitors Programme brings together emerging leaders from across the world for direct exchanges with European institutions.
Participants hold discussions with legislators, policy analysts and governance specialists to understand how the EU formulates decisions and maintains accountability.
Wako’s involvement in the programme adds to her long-running work in youth civic participation and public policy engagement in Kenya.
Wako noted that many of the concerns raised in Europe mirror those voiced in African democracies, particularly around transparency, public trust and access to opportunity.
She said citizens across regions are grappling with similar questions about justice and inclusion, even when their political contexts differ.
She also highlighted her background in civic leadership, stating that the experience reinforced the idea that effective democracy depends on cooperation between leaders and the communities they serve.
According to her statement, the exchanges underscored the value of partnership-driven participation, where institutions treat citizens as co-creators in shaping governance solutions.
Wako described the week in Brussels as one marked by learning and reflection, adding that the conversations contributed to her understanding of leadership in complex political environments.
She said the visit strengthened her commitment to supporting civic voices and community-driven leadership initiatives in Kenya.
The EUVP has hosted several Kenyan leaders, policy advocates and professionals over the years, offering exposure to comparative governance models and cross-regional collaboration.
Wako said she returns with new insights and international networks that she hopes will inform her future engagements in civic education and youth participation.