As the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa's Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) Programme prepares to elect its inaugural Regional Student Leadership Council, one candidate is championing a vision rooted in inclusion, innovation, and transformative leadership.
Mercy Jeruto Chirchir, a TAGDev 2.0 scholar from the University of Eldoret, has officially declared her candidature for the position of Regional President of the TAGDev 2.0 Student Leadership Council. Her campaign reflects the programme's commitment to empowering young African leaders who are prepared to drive positive change within their universities and communities.
A second-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student, Mercy combines academic excellence with practical experience. She previously earned a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Eldoret in 2021 and a Craft Certificate in Agribusiness through the Kenya Youth Employment Opportunities Project (KYEOP). Beyond her studies, she serves as a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) instructor in Agriculture, mentoring young people with practical agricultural skills while promoting sustainable agrifood systems.
Mercy's leadership journey has been defined by service and advocacy. Currently serving as the President of the TAGDev 2.0 Chapter at the University of Eldoret, she has consistently championed student engagement, inclusive participation, and collaborative leadership. As a passionate advocate for persons with disabilities and a human rights promoter, she believes every scholar deserves an equal opportunity to contribute, regardless of background, gender, disability, religion, or academic discipline.
Her presidential bid comes at a significant moment as TAGDev 2.0 strengthens student representation across its network of universities. The Regional Student Leadership Council is expected to provide a platform through which scholars actively contribute to programme implementation, strengthen collaboration across institutions, and amplify student voices in shaping the future of agricultural education and entrepreneurship in Africa.
Read also: TAGDev 2.0 Student Leadership Council Election Campaign
Running on a platform of integrity, transparency, collaboration, and innovation, Mercy seeks to build a regional student community where diversity is celebrated and leadership is shared. Her vision is to create stronger connections among TAGDev scholars, encourage knowledge exchange across universities, and foster initiatives that equip students to become job creators and agents of community transformation.
"The future of our region will not be shaped by one leader, it will be shaped by all of us." said Mercy
For Mercy, leadership is not about occupying a position, it is about creating opportunities for others to succeed. She envisions a Student Leadership Council that promotes mentorship, innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation while ensuring that every scholar has a voice in advancing the objectives of the TAGDev 2.0 Programme.
The TAGDev 2.0 Programme, implemented by RUFORUM in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and twelve African universities, seeks to strengthen universities and TVET institutions by equipping young Africans with the skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial capacity needed to drive inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient transformation of agriculture and agrifood systems across the continent.
As campaigns continue across the participating universities, Mercy Jeruto Chirchir's candidature represents more than a personal aspiration. It reflects the growing confidence of young African women leaders who are stepping forward to shape institutions, influence policy, and inspire a new generation of transformational leadership.
Should she earn the confidence of fellow scholars, Mercy pledges to lead with purpose, foster unity across the TAGDev network, and ensure that every scholar has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.