Reflections from my Mandela Washington Fellowship Experience in Minneapolis- Minnesota
Receiving an email signed by Marc Dillard, the immediate former Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, was one of the most exciting moments of my life. I had been selected for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship, an honour that filled me with pride and humility.
During our pre-departure orientation, I learned that over 10,000 young Kenyans had applied, but only 41 of us were chosen to represent our country. Yet still, I was one of 700 young African leaders selected to spend six weeks across various U.S. universities. The realisation was profound; just as Jesus called His 12 disciples, we too were being called to rise to the occasion and help transform our countries and our continent. Although this wasn’t my first visit to the U.S.
I had previously participated in a 2019 exchange program between the Senate of Kenya and the Arizona State Senate; this time felt different. Being hosted by the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities for a full six weeks promised a deeper, richer experience. I was determined to diary every moment, soak in every encounter, to learn the public service culture and the body politic of Minnesota.
One of my first encounters with public service in Minneapolis was through the Metro Transit system—perhaps the most common means of transportation across the Twin Cities. I was immediately struck by its efficiency: the trains and buses were always on time, affordable, and fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Operated by the Metropolitan Council, the Twin Cities’ regional planning authority, Metro Transit reflected a well- coordinated model of public service.
What stood out most was the transparency and accountability built into the system. Expansion plans and route updates were not just hidden in boardrooms; they were publicly displayed. Service disruptions due to maintenance were announced three weeks in advance, giving commuters time to plan. Clean, well- maintained, and thoughtfully designed, the system seemed a microcosm of civic discipline.
Yet, the Metro also revealed the other side of urban life. It was here that I first witnessed a group of young people who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, some visibly depressed, others affiliated with gangs. One day, my friends and I found ourselves almost caught in the middle of a gang-related confrontation on the train. What surprised us even more was how unbothered Minnesotans seemed by it; it was, in some ways, a normalised part of city life.
This duality, the efficiency of the system and the visible signs of social distress made me reflect on the role of public service not only in infrastructure, but in social healing. The trains were running on time, yes, but who was ensuring the youth on those trains had hope, support, and a future?
Visiting the Minnesota State Capitol on the invitation of Hulda Momanyi Hiltsley, the first Kenyan-born legislator in Minnesota, affectionately known as “The People’s House”, offered me fresh insights into how democracy can evolve and adapt. While it wasn’t my first time inside a state legislature (I had previously toured the Arizona State Senate in 2019), this visit was particularly moving. The Capitol building stood open and welcoming, without fences or armed guards, symbolising a democracy grounded in access and transparency.
What struck me most was the unique political equilibrium in the Minnesota House of Representatives. As Chief Clerk Patrick Duffy Murphy explained, the chamber is evenly split: 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats. This rare parity forced both sides to engage in meaningful negotiations.
The outcome? A historic power-sharing agreement in which a Republican became Speaker, while the former Democratic Speaker stepped aside;ensuring key Democratic legislative priorities could still be advanced. It was a humbling lesson in compromise and the art of bipartisan leadership, one that many political systems across Africa, including Kenya, can learn from. Service above self.
Mr. Murphy also introduced us to the Youth in Government (YIG) program; a powerful civic education initiative that allows students in grades 8 to 12 to serve as mock legislators, judges, lawyers, and cabinet officials. For four days, these young Minnesotans take over the Capitol, running a simulated state government. It was a beautiful reminder that investing in youth leadership is not a political afterthought in Minnesota; it is a deliberate pillar of governance.
Our visit also included a session with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose leadership left a strong impression on me. Known for his bold advocacy in defending state interests; even challenging federal policies when necessary; AG Ellison represents a model of principled political service. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he had visited Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya in 2009 and is personally acquainted with Kenyan legislators, including Hon. Farah Maalim.
To cap it all off, Rep. Hulda graciously walked us through the Democratic Party caucus room. Even amid casual conversations, one could sense the seriousness of legislative business from charts outlining current priorities to whiteboards tracking committee progress. The room felt like a war room for democracy: strategic, focused, and driven by purpose. A special thanks to Rep. Hulda for her warm hospitality and for reminding us that representation matters, not just in the name of diversity, but in the service of excellence.
As I prepare to return to Kenya, I carry with me invaluable lessons from Minnesota’s approach to public service and politics. The Metro Transit system demonstrated that proper urban planning, when grounded in transparency, accessibility, and citizen input, can significantly enhance quality of life. Yet, beneath this order, I witnessed youth grappling with drug use, depression, and violence, reminding me that the challenges young people face are not bound by borders. Visiting the Minnesota State Capitol deepened my understanding of open governance. An unfenced legislature, a balanced House split evenly between Republicans and Democrats, and focused party caucuses all signal a mature democracy where compromise and priorities are visibly aligned with citizens’ needs.
Meeting Attorney General Keith Ellison offered another eye-opening moment. Just like in Kenya, where tensions often arise between county and national governments, Minnesota faces its version of vertical power struggles between the state and federal governments. AG Ellison’s firm stance in defending state interests, even when it means taking legal action against federal authorities, underscored the importance of devolved accountability in a functional democracy.
Finally, the election of Rep. Hulda Momanyi Hiltsley, the first Kenyan-born individual to be elected as a state representative in the United States, was a powerful testament to the inclusivity and maturity of American democracy. Her story reminded me that representation is not just about identity, but about impact. As I return home, I am convinced more than ever that Kenya, too, can build political systems rooted in openness, equity, and visionary youth leadership. Minnesota did not just teach me what works; it rekindled my belief in what is possible when public service is anchored in values and purpose.
Alfred Makotsi
Mandela Washington Fellow 2025, Public Management Track- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
PhD Candidate Diplomacy& International Relations- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
