|| Africa International Relations Scholar || Head, School of IR & Diplomacy, Riara University ||Book lover || Curator, NBO Int’l Book Club||
Nairobi, Kenya
Joined June 2014
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Humbled by the recognition.
"Connections matter" 🤝
When law school didn't work out, @WinnieRugutt pivoted to International Relations, and found her calling in Pan-Africanism.
Her journey is built on resilience, intentional mentorship and empowering others.
Read her full story.
irskenya.or.ke/report/2025-a…
Book Review
I absolutely loved the storyline, the suspense, and the unexpected twists.
I listened to the audiobook, and you know a story is good when you find yourself sitting in your car long after parking, just to listen for a few more minutes!
goodreads.com/review/show/89…
What a conversation we had 👌. Thank you @IntRelationsKe, @KAS_Kenya and @RiaraUniversity for supporting this book community.
We hosted an insightful fireside conversation exploring Rwanda’s journey of survival, forgiveness, reconciliation, and national rebuilding.
The discussion featured Josiane Umulinga, author of Survived to Forgive, in conversation with Dr. Winnie Rugutt, Head of International Relations and Diplomacy.
The event also featured a keynote address by the Ambassador of Rwanda to Kenya, highlighting Rwanda’s experience in national healing and post-conflict reconstruction.
Organised by the International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK), through the Nairobi International Book Club, in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and Riara University, the engagement offered valuable reflections on the power of forgiveness, resilience, and the pursuit of lasting peace.
#NurturingInnovators
#FutureReady
A conversation on Rwanda’s journey of reconciliation, healing and rebuilding, featuring Josiane Umulinga, author of Survived to Forgive.
@RiaraUniversity
Register here to attend; bit.ly/4rP3pTG
I’m pleased to share my latest article, published in the @Horninstitute Bulletin, exploring continuity and change in U.S.–Africa relations during the second Trump administration. It was a pleasure collaborating with @OleTiwaine on this piece.
Explore our latest HORN Bulletin featuring four articles on U.S.–Africa relations, Russia’s strategy in Sudan, foreign power projection in Somalia, and women-led households in Kenya’s refugee camps.
Read more: horninstitute.org/wp-content…
#HornOfAfrica #Africa #Geopolitics
Last week, I had the opportunity to moderate a conversation at the @KAS_Kenya office. The fireside chat with Mr. Sasche Kienzle, Deputy Head of the East Africa Division at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, brought together young professionals with a shared passion for IR.
For the past two days, I’ve been attending @Edu_Collaborate 2026 East Africa Hub Convening in Nairobi, learning about what it takes to keep students at the centre of higher education in an era of rapid technological change
Winnie Rugutt, Ph.D. retweeted
Giveback is a core component of the Elevate Africa Fellowship, it is an opportunity for our fellows to step beyond learning and actively contribute to the communities around them.
#EAF26 #EAFtakesonnigeria #EAFculturalintensive
Lessons from my trip to Lagos, Nigeria through @WeElevateAfrica
linkedin.com/posts/winnierug…
Lagos has really swept me off my feet. The vibrancy, energy and creativity of this city are on another level.
In Nigeria for a 2 week program by @WeElevateAfrica
Nigeria is the next classroom for the Elevate Africa Fellowship Class of 2026. The fellows will be embarking on a two-week cultural and experiential learning intensive.
We invite you all to join us on this journey.
#EAF26 #EAFtakesonnigeria #EAFculturalintensive
Winnie Rugutt, Ph.D. retweeted
In May, the Elevate Africa Fellowship concluded its first Learning Intensive on a high note, hosting friends and partners in Kigali, Rwanda for a memorable cocktail evening.
Stay with us, the #EAF26 journey is still unfolding.
#EAF26 #EAFtakesonkigali #EAFlearningintensive26
Second read of 2026 with the Nairobi International Book Club Community
@IntRelationsKe
Yesterday, the amazing @ACSUS254
team surprised me with a beautiful farewell as I wrapped up my three years as Program Director. It was one of those moments that leaves you feeling incredibly grateful.
Earlier today at @ZetechUni .
"Africa can effectively respond to the evolving global diplomatic landscape by implementing a strategic hedging approach, creating stronger alliances, leveraging the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), diversifying partnerships, and advancing its interests through balanced, pragmatic, and forward-looking diplomacy."
- Dr. Winnie Rugut
Head School of International Relations & Diplomacy, Riara University
Another amazing @KAS_Kenya and @IntRelationsKe convening
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of hosting the second Nairobi International Book Club meeting, an initiative I launched earlier this year in partnership with @KAS_Kenya under the @IntRelationsKe.
Discussed our book of the quarter, Adventures in Democracy by Erica Benner.
Attended the Nairobi Geosecurity Forum 2026 on Kenya and the future of asymmetric warfare, hosted by the @IntRelationsKe. Very insightful discussion on the future of asymmetrical threats and how Kenya can be better prepared to deal with them.
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of attending the Mandela Washington Fellows YALI conference in Nairobi, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones
Book Review
Flowers of Algernon
Finished this book a few weeks ago and wow, it really stays with you. It’s an interesting fiction story about human intelligence, empathy, and how we see each other. Highly recommend it.
Listened to the @audible_com version
