With over 13.000 alumni worldwide, the IHS Alumni Network gathers international experts in urban development from across the globe. In this series we reconnect with some familiar faces and find out more about their professional path after graduation.
Meet Sammy Shileche, an alumnus of the Urban Management and Development (UMD) programme at IHS. Originally from Kenya, Sammy finished his bachelor’s in urban and regional planning before joining IHS. At IHS, he also served as a student representative. Currently, Sammy works as an Assistant Director at the Urban Planning and Development Department of Nairobi City County Government. Additionally, Sammy is in the process of pursuing his PhD in urban food systems. In his research he is examining how these systems can be integrated into an urban planning framework.
Looking back on the study experience
Sammy fondly reflects on his time at IHS, explaining how the programme and institute played a significant role in shaping his professional and personal development. The course content, as well as the diverse environment of the institute, allowed him to broaden his skillset, and helped improve his decision-making skills on a managerial level, among others. This has been very beneficial to him throughout his career. The open and collaborative atmosphere at IHS have further allowed him to be exposed to different perspectives which helped him look at the world differently.
His cohort group chat remains lively to this day and Sammy and his peers stay connected and reminisce about their time at IHS. Even the rainy bike rides around Rotterdam, once taken for granted, now have become cherished memories of their student years.
I learned a lot at IHS. It sharpened my lenses on global dynamics. I now look at things differently.
Sammy Shileche
Integrating learning into real-life working contexts
Before joining the IHS community, Sammy worked as a planning assistant at the Urban Planning and Development department of Nairobi City County Government. After completing his master’s, Sammy returned to his workplace in Kenya to continue his role there. His role is very diverse and he is often involved with tasks related to policy formulation, evaluating development applications, and overseeing capital projects. He explained that the evidence-based decision-making and stakeholder collaboration taught at IHS have been particularly beneficial in his role. One of the best aspects of his role is his ability to apply and customise global standards and local knowledge in making effective sustainable planning decisions for Nairobi City.
Sammy finds studying to be extremely significant to his growth in knowledge. In 2018, he decided to pursue a PhD in urban food systems. In the future, Sammy hopes to explore more international opportunities and travel widely.
Giving back
One of the things Sammy is most passionate about is giving back to his community in Kenya, a community that supported him throughout his journey. Upon graduating, Sammy started various community development projects to inspire young people in his home country. The programmes Sammy runs include, Lukanji community hospital, Lukanji Community Church, student and youth mentorship program, jigger treatment initiatives and economic empowerment program. Which he runs through a non-govermental organisation called Organization of Local Communities Against (OLCAP).
