At a time when peace feels increasingly fragile and nations grapple with division, Strathmore University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences has taken a decisive step forward, launching the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR). The programme, launched on 8th October 2025, marks a bold stride in shaping the next generation of African voices that will influence global affairs with integrity, wisdom, and moral clarity.

The event, themed “Maintenance of International Peace and Security in a Fragmenting Global Order,” drew diplomats, scholars, and policy thinkers who share a common vision of preparing leaders who can navigate the world’s complexities without losing their humanity. Ambassador Manoah Esipisu, Kenya’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, delivering an address that blended realism with hope.

“We are gathered here at a time when wars rage in regions we once thought were peaceful,” he reflected. “Technology connects us more than ever, but at the same time divides us. This is a period where we need informed order to solve our problems,” advised Amb. Esipisu.

His words epitomised MAIR’s mission of equipping learners not only with technical competence but with the moral courage to lead. “In diplomacy,” he continued, “we need individuals who understand both the mechanics and the spirit of global cooperation. Presence is not just enough.  This will require African professionals who can think globally while skillfully and confidently defending regional and national interests. I look forward to this programme preparing that caliber of leadership.”

For Strathmore University, the launch is a testament to its philosophy of educating leaders who serve society through excellence and ethical conviction. Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor, described the MAIR as a timely response to a world marked by “brokenness,” where more than forty countries are caught in some form of conflict. Through the MAIR programme, he noted, students will gain the knowledge and perspective to engage with real-world issues, understanding history, the forces that shape global affairs, and how these dynamics influence the way nations relate and make decisions.

Dr. Ogutu challenged those undertaking the course to look beyond global conflicts and recognise the broader spectrum of challenges and opportunities that define our world.

“At the heart of this programme lies immense potential,” he said. “It’s not only about ending wars, but about nurturing opportunities for growth, understanding, and cooperation. We want our students to become not just skilled professionals, but good people, individuals grounded in integrity and empathy. Because what truly solves problems is trust, and that begins with being a good person.”

Dr. Magdalene Dimba, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, celebrated the launch as a moment of growth, nearly a decade since introducing the school’s first bachelor’s programmes. “We are proud to witness this next step,” she said. “The MAIR has been crafted by professionals from academia, industry, and global institutions to address the growing need for transformative leaders who can bring ethical thinking to international relations.”

The programme’s structure reflects this ambition. With specialisations in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, Security and International Law, and Peace and Conflict Studies, MAIR combines theoretical foundations with field experience and international exposure.

As Dr. Elizabeth Gachenga, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics and Student Affairs, put it, “Our ideal graduate is one with analytical skills, ready to solve global problems. The research they undertake must address the challenges facing the world today.”

During the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Edgar Githua, scholars and practitioners, including Ms. Alison Parker, Dr. Ochieng Kamudhayi, and Dr. James Nyawo, explored the shifting landscape of diplomacy, multilateralism, and global cooperation, each bringing unique perspectives to the conversation.

Dr. Ochieng opened with a sobering reminder that conflict is as old as humanity itself, but today, technology has transformed its face. “Our phones have become war gadgets,” he noted, observing that modern warfare is increasingly about information dominance. Dr. Nyawo reflected on the weakening of multilateralism, noting that while global cooperation may be under strain, it is not dying. Instead, it is evolving, demanding new forms of engagement and responsibility from states and institutions navigating today’s fractured world order.

Ms. Parker, Deputy Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, UNICEF, brought a human-centered lens to the debate, reminding the audience that amid geopolitical calculations, people, especially children, must remain at the heart of peace and security efforts. “Children are what UNICEF calls the triple crisis of conflict,” she said, emphasizing that societies cannot talk about sustainable peace without placing children’s development and protection at the core of national and global priorities.

She called for stronger partnerships between states, private entities, and civil society to co-create lasting solutions and enhance accountability. The panelists agreed that in an interconnected yet divided world, diplomacy must be redefined through empathy, cultural respect, and collaboration. As Ms. Parker concluded, “Effective diplomacy begins with the ability to respect the culture of people, be able to negotiate and work with the person.”

With the launch of the programme, Amb. Esipisu’s words, “Peace is not negotiated once; it is lived every day. Credibility is not built on popularity but on clarity that does not compromise principles,” are succinct, renewing hope in education and the power of young people who will speak truth with wisdom, live with conviction, and build bridges of peace across a divided world.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu.