- Social media has become a battleground where insults are traded, and public disagreements are aired out in the open, often with little regard for the potential consequences.
- Young leaders, in their quest to differentiate themselves from the old guard, are quick to call out corruption, inefficiency, and injustice.
- The current generation of leaders, many of whom benefited from mentorship and the guidance of their predecessors, has a responsibility to pay it forward.
Kenya stands at a crossroads, where the actions and attitudes of its leaders today will shape the nation’s future. The rise of young leaders is both a source of hope and concern. On one hand, we see a generation eager to address the myriad challenges facing the country with vigour and determination.
On the other, there’s a growing worry about the emotional maturity and Emotional Intelligence (EI) of this emerging leadership class.
Are our young leaders equipped with the right emotional tools to lead Kenya into a prosperous future?
Or are we on the brink of a leadership crisis where anger overshadows grace, and impulsive decisions take precedence over thoughtful accountability?
The State of Young Leadership in Kenya
Kenya’s young leaders are undeniably passionate. They have grown up in a digital age, exposed to global ideas and movements, and they are keen to bring about change.
However, the transition from passion to effective leadership requires more than just energy; it requires emotional intelligence—a critical component that seems to be in short supply among many of today’s emerging leaders.
Emotional intelligence, as defined by psychologists Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer, refers to the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as to recognise, understand, and influence the emotions of others. EI is crucial for leadership because it enables leaders to make informed decisions, maintain composure under pressure, and build strong relationships based on trust and empathy.
However, Kenya’s current political landscape is increasingly characterised by leaders who are quick to anger and respond impulsively to criticism.
Social media has become a battleground where insults are traded, and public disagreements are aired out in the open, often with little regard for the potential consequences.
This approach not only undermines the credibility of these leaders but also sets a poor example for the younger generation.
It raises the question: Are these leaders capable of steering the country in the right direction, or will their lack of emotional maturity lead Kenya down a path of division and instability?
The Mentorship Gap
The issue of emotional intelligence among young leaders is closely tied to the mentorship they receive—or lack thereof.
The current crop of Kenyan leaders, many of whom were groomed during the Moi era, benefited from structured mentorship that provided them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of politics and leadership. They were taught not only how to wield power but also how to do so with a sense of responsibility and decorum.
Unfortunately, this tradition of mentorship appears to have waned in recent years. While the older generation of leaders benefited from the guidance of seasoned mentors, the same cannot be said for many of today’s young leaders.
The mentorship gap is glaring, and its impact is evident in the behaviour and attitudes of those who are now stepping into positions of power.
Mentorship is not just about passing down knowledge; it’s about instilling values, cultivating emotional intelligence, and preparing the next generation to lead with integrity and grace.
Without mentorship, young leaders are left to navigate the complexities of leadership on their own, often relying on their instincts rather than learned wisdom.
This lack of guidance can result in leaders who are more reactive than reflective, more prone to anger than to understanding, and more focused on short-term gains than long-term stability.
The Accountability Dilemma
Kenya’s political landscape is one where accountability is often demanded but rarely delivered. Young leaders, in their quest to differentiate themselves from the old guard, are quick to call out corruption, inefficiency, and injustice.
This is commendable and necessary for a healthy democracy. However, the manner in which this accountability is pursued is just as important as the accountability itself.
There is a growing trend among young leaders to approach accountability with a sense of aggression and hostility. This “angry accountability” may resonate with a frustrated populace in the short term, but it is not a sustainable approach.
Anger can cloud judgment, leading to hasty decisions and divisive rhetoric that further polarizes the nation.
Moreover, leaders who consistently operate from a place of anger are likely to burn out or become isolated, as their approach alienates potential allies and undermines their ability to build coalitions.
In contrast, accountability with grace—rooted in emotional intelligence—offers a more sustainable path forward. Leaders who embody this approach hold others accountable with firmness and fairness, but they do so in a way that is constructive rather than destructive.
They recognise that true accountability is not about tearing others down, but about building a culture of integrity and responsibility that benefits the entire nation.
These leaders are able to maintain their composure in the face of criticism, respond to challenges with calmness, and work towards solutions that are inclusive and forward-looking.
Responsibility of Today’s Leaders
The current generation of leaders, many of whom benefited from mentorship and the guidance of their predecessors, has a responsibility to pay it forward. They must actively seek out and nurture young talent, providing the mentorship that is so desperately needed.
This involves more than just offering advice; it means being role models of emotional intelligence and grace, demonstrating through their actions what it means to lead with integrity and wisdom.
One way to address the mentorship gap is by incorporating as many young leaders in government positions across all levels as a form of establishing formal mentorship programs within political parties, civic organizations, and educational institutions.
These should be designed to equip young leaders with the emotional intelligence skills they need to navigate the challenges of leadership. Additionally, there should be a focus on creating safe spaces where young leaders can learn, make mistakes, and grow without the fear of public backlash or ridicule.
Furthermore, today’s leaders must also be willing to hold themselves accountable to the same standards they set for others.
By modelling accountability with grace, they can set a positive example for the next generation, showing that it is possible to be firm in one’s convictions while still maintaining respect for others.
The Way Forward for Kenya
Kenya’s future hinges on the quality of its leadership. As we look ahead, it is clear that the country needs leaders who are not only passionate and driven but also emotionally intelligent and capable of leading with grace.
This will require a concerted effort to bridge the mentorship gap, fostering a new generation of leaders who are well-equipped to handle the complexities of leadership in a rapidly changing world.
The stakes are high. If we fail to cultivate leaders with the right emotional intelligence, we risk creating a political environment where anger and impulsiveness reign supreme, leading to further division and instability.
On the other hand, if we succeed in nurturing leaders who are emotionally mature and accountable, Kenya has the potential to become a beacon of stability and progress in the region.
It is incumbent upon all stakeholders—current leaders, educators, civic organisations, and the broader society—to invest in the development of Kenya’s future leaders.
This means prioritising emotional intelligence in leadership training, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating environments where young leaders can learn and grow.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Honour, Duty, and Justice: Pillars of credible governance in Kenya
Kenya cannot afford to wait. The time to act is now. Let us commit to fostering a culture of leadership that values emotional intelligence, grace, and accountability.
By doing so, we can ensure that Kenya’s future is in the hands of leaders who are not only capable but also compassionate, leading the nation towards a brighter, more united future.
Dr. Ang’ana is a leadership, governance and policy consultant, and the CEO of Accent Leadership Group.
