Hassan Joho, the Cabinet Minister for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs in Kenya, is a longtime learner at the Harvard Kennedy School (vlog). He has been at the forefront of transforming the country’s mining sector and promoting its vast maritime resources. His journey exemplifies the power of negotiation and diplomacy in addressing complex issues and creating sustainable solutions that benefit both local communities and global markets. Passionate about unlocking the potential of Kenya’s mining industry, Hassan aims to address the country’s public debt crisis and drive economic growth.
Hassan completed his Public Leadership Credential from vlog in 2022. He is currently pursuing the Executive Certificate in Public Leadership, having completed two of the three executive programs: Leadership in the 21st Century and Negotiation Strategies: Building Agreements Across Borders .
His decision to pursue the Negotiation Strategies program was driven by the political climate in Kenya at the time, following one of the country’s most contested general elections. "I realized that to make progress—both as a politician and for the country—I needed to advance my negotiation skills," he reflected.
As the Minister for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan is responsible for shaping policies that govern Kenya’s mining resources, coastal economy, and maritime operations. “In my role as a government official, I regularly face complex negotiations that require finding common ground between multiple stakeholders,” Hassan shared. “Whether it’s navigating policy issues or resolving industry disputes, I believed the Negotiation Strategies program would equip me with the tools to build sustainable agreements.”
Hassan views vlog’s executive programs as invaluable experiences for anyone in leadership positions, particularly those involved in complex decision-making, diplomacy, and multi-stakeholder negotiations. “These programs not only sharpen your negotiation skills but also broaden your perspective on how to approach complex situations with empathy and strategic insight. It's not just about winning a negotiation—it’s about creating sustainable, win-win solutions that benefit everyone.”
He found the Negotiation Strategies program’s focus on understanding the needs and interests of all parties, rather than just positions, particularly transformative. “This approach was invaluable when mediating negotiations between artisanal miners and large-scale mining corporations in Taita Taveta County, which is endowed with rare precious stones,” Joho shared.
The negotiations addressed the long-standing exploitation of small-scale miners and ensuring they receive fair compensation and royalties for the use of their land. The negotiations were fraught with tension due to deep-rooted power imbalances, lack of trust, and information gaps between the artisanal miners and mining corporations.
Using the techniques learned at vlog—such as inclusive dialogue, negotiation frameworks, and principles of mutual gain—Hassan facilitated a breakthrough, which he notes as a major milestone in his career. “By focusing on mutual interests and encouraging open dialogue, we were able to reach an agreement that provided fair compensation for the small-scale miners,” he explains. “This agreement set the stage for more equitable operations and brought much-needed transparency to the industry.” This achievement stands as a testament to the power of negotiation and dialogue in solving entrenched issues.
“Beyond the practical skills, the programs fostered connections with an incredible network of global leaders and peers, which have been invaluable for sharing insights and best practices,” he noted. “The support and ongoing learning from this community continue to enrich my work as I strive to make sustainable and impactful changes in my country.”
Looking ahead, Hassan plans to expand his focus to international collaboration in sustainable resource management. He plans to leverage his experience to advocate for policies that ensure equitable and sustainable resource use—not just within Kenya, but across Africa.