Natasha Kimathi

For Natasha Kimathi, politics has never been an abstract concept studied in a textbook; it is a lived reality. Growing up in Kenya, she saw the immediate consequences of policy decisions on her community. Her resolve to study political science was solidified during the 2024 Kenyan youth protests, an experience that highlighted the necessity for a new generation of leaders dedicated to transparency and social justice.  

Now a student at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs, Natasha has found that IE University’s multicultural environment mirrors the global political landscape she hopes to enter. In small, lively classes, she engages in debates about democracy and electoral design with classmates from around the world, gaining the diverse perspectives necessary to tackle complex international issues. 

Natasha describes her academic journey as "learning by doing." She highlights the influence of her professors, many of whom are former diplomats or UN officials, who bring practical insights into the classroom. These connections have proven invaluable, bridging the gap between academic theory and the professional job market. 

A standout moment in her first year was her participation in IEU Labs, including the Policy Lab and the Innovation Lab. Working on projects for leading organizations such as Coty and EIRA, Natasha saw how governance and economics intersect. "The IEU Labs made me realize how academic knowledge directly applies to solving today’s problems,” she explains. This hands-on approach is further enriched by IE University's asynchronous learning opportunities, which allows her to reflect deeply on how global political theories apply to the specific contexts she experienced in Kenya.  

One of the most transformative experiences of the program was the Athens Academic Trip. As part of the inaugural Athens trip cohort for the Bachelor in Political Science, Natasha traveled to the birthplace of democracy to confront the "human" side of politics—its fragility and its imperfections. This reflection was deepened during a meeting with former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who spoke about leading a country through economic collapse and under intense international scrutiny. 

"In that moment, politics lost any sense of abstraction," Natasha reflects."It became about responsibility and the weight of decisions that ripple across entire societies." These encounters, along with meetings at the European Commission and with the Foreign Affairs Minister of Greece, shifted her understanding of policy-making from a linear process to a complex, negotiated reality where compromise is the language of progress. It reinforced her belief that "politics is not just about power; it is about responsibility."

Beyond the classroom, Natasha has taken on an active role within the IE Community. As a leader of the IE Africa Club, she spearheaded participation in the Global Village event, using food, music and dialogue to foster cultural exchange. She also participates in Model UN simulations, honing the public speaking and negotiation skills she will need for a future career in diplomacy. 

As a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated field, Natasha is driven by a desire to challenge existing barriers. She views her education as a tool to equip herself with the knowledge needed to change the systems we live in today. Her commitment to excellence and leadership marks her as a student who embodies IE University’s values of global citizenship and meaningful impact. 

Reflecting on her journey so far, Natasha encourages her peers to embrace the messiness of real-world politics. She believes that political science is not just about understanding systems, but about preparing to engage with human consequences. For Natasha, the Bachelor in Political Science has helped her to step outside her own perspective and return home with the skills to build political systems that truly serve people.