Founding Story & Milestones

From a vision shared among a small group of policy practitioners in early 2023 to a thriving national professional community today.

Our Foundation Story

The idea to form the Public Policy Professionals Society of Kenya (PPPSK) was born out of a growing recognition that Kenya's policy space needed a dedicated, professional platform for policy practitioners, scholars, consultants, and decision-makers. For too long, the field of public policy lacked a unified voice to uphold professionalism, set ethical standards, promote capacity building, and provide structured engagement for both seasoned and upcoming professionals.

In early 2023, a group of like-minded individuals — policy experts, government advisors, researchers, and academics — began informal discussions around this need. These consultations led to the formal registration of PPPSK in mid-2023 under the Societies Act of Kenya. The founding members were driven by a vision of institutionalising excellence in public policy development and implementation through continuous learning, peer support, and professional accountability.

From its inception, PPPSK committed itself to bridging the gap between policy theory and practice by creating platforms for dialogue, professional development, and policy innovation. The Society is also a response to the rising demand for evidence-based policy making, inclusive development planning, and ethical leadership in the public sector.

Key Milestones

A chronological record of how PPPSK has grown since its founding.

2023
4 milestones
July 2023

PPPSK Formally Registered

PPPSK formally registered under the Societies Act, marking the official birth of Kenya's premier public policy professional society.

August 2023

Interim Executive Board Formed

Formation of an Interim Executive Board to steer foundational structures and establish governance frameworks.

November 2023

Vision, Mission & Strategic Focus Launched

Launch of the Society's Vision, Mission, and Strategic Focus Areas, defining our commitment to excellence in public policy.

December 2023

Inaugural Members' Forum

Inaugural members' forum held virtually to onboard initial members and gather input on priorities.

2024
4 milestones
February 2024

First Communities of Practice Created

Creation of the first Communities of Practice in thematic areas such as Education Policy, Health Policy, Governance, and Climate Policy.

May 2024

Strategic Plan 2025–2028 Endorsed

First strategic planning committee convened and endorsement of the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.

August 2024

First High-Level Policy Platform Engagement

Participation in the Nairobi City County Tourism Policy Conference, marking PPPSK's first public engagement at a high-level policy platform.

November 2024

Online Membership System Launched

Development of the online membership system, streamlining member registration and engagement.

2025
6 milestones
June 2025

Professional Certification Pathway Initiated

Initiation of PPPSK Professional Certification Pathway aimed at recognising public policy expertise in Kenya.

July 2025

Finance & General Purpose Committee Retreat

Inaugural Finance and General Purpose Committee Retreat aimed at reviewing the Organisational Performance.

July 2025

University & Institute Partnerships Commence

Commencement of partnerships with universities and policy institutes to support research, mentorship, and training.

August 2025

Policy Dialogues Series Piloted

Piloting of the Policy Dialogues Series, quarterly forums for practitioners to exchange insights and critique emerging policies.

August 2025

Member Services Automation Upgrade

System upgrade to support automation of member services, including digital certificates and e-learning tools.

August 2025

Conference 2026 Steering Committee Established

Establishing of the Public Policy International Conference 2026 Steering Committee.

From a vision in early 2023 to a thriving professional community today — we continue to shape Kenya's policy landscape through excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Be part of the next chapter of Kenya's public policy story.

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