The crisis of leadership: Call for collective action in Kenya’s national struggle

Kenya, like many nations around the world, finds itself at a crossroads. The political, social, and economic systems that once served as the backbone of this vibrant nation seem increasingly unable to meet the needs of its citizens.

A palpable sense of frustration pervades every level of society as people struggle to navigate the complex web of systemic dysfunctions.

Whether it’s the rising cost of living, the erosion of trust in political leadership, or the apparent disintegration of public institutions, the sense of urgency for change has never been more critical.

In such a climate, the role of leadership is tested—not just by its ability to maintain power, but by its capacity to unite the country for the greater good.

The failure to provide for the people and the widespread perception that those in positions of authority are more concerned with personal and partisan interests than with the public good, has resulted in deepening disillusionment.

As Kenyans face growing challenges, there is a stark need for leadership that is not only effective but morally grounded in honesty, goodwill, and a genuine commitment to service.

The Systemic Challenges

Kenya’s current crisis is multi-faceted, driven by a combination of economic inequality, political polarization, and institutional decay.

The nation’s economic outlook is marred by inflation, job insecurity, and an alarming debt burden, which has placed immense strain on ordinary citizens.

For many, the dream of upward mobility is slipping further out of reach. Unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, continue to rise, while essential services like healthcare and education remain underfunded and plagued by inefficiency.

Politically, Kenya’s leadership appears increasingly divided, with partisanship often taking precedence over national unity.

The post-election period has been marked by growing tensions, as political factions vie for power, disregarding the common good in the process.

The lack of effective governance is exacerbated by corruption, which continues to siphon resources away from crucial development projects and public services.

This has led to an erosion of trust in public institutions, with many Kenyans questioning the very foundation of their democracy.

Moreover, the culture of blame-shifting that pervades Kenyan politics and public discourse has hindered the kind of open, constructive dialogue needed to address the nation’s challenges.

Politicians, instead of fostering collaboration, often choose to demonize their opponents, deepening divisions rather than offering solutions.

The result is a vicious cycle of frustration, disenchantment, and missed opportunities for genuine reform.

A New Ethos of Leadership

In the face of these overwhelming challenges, a new kind of leadership is required — one that places the needs of the people at the center and prioritizes service over self-interest.

This vision of leadership transcends the narrow confines of political parties and power struggles.

It is a call to all Kenyans to embrace a collective responsibility to solve the nation’s problems, starting with a shift in individual and collective attitudes.

At the core of this new leadership must be honesty, integrity, and goodwill. The Kenyan political landscape needs leaders who are willing to abandon the corrosive politics of selfishness and instead adopt a spirit of service and sacrifice.

This kind of leadership must begin at the top, with political leaders who are committed to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of all citizens — not just their supporters or their own personal ambitions.

However, leadership is not just about those in power. It is also about citizens — the everyday Kenyans who must hold their leaders accountable and actively engage in the process of governance.

In a healthy democracy, leadership should not be confined to elected officials but should extend to all corners of society.

Citizens must move beyond passive cynicism and become active participants in shaping their nation’s future.

Practical Steps

What, then, are some practical steps that can be taken to initiate this much-needed change?

Strengthening Civic Engagement:

The first step towards building a culture of collective responsibility is to enhance civic engagement at all levels.

Kenyans must become more active in the political process—not just during election seasons but in the day-to-day workings of their communities. Grassroots organizations, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens must engage in dialogues about the issues that matter most, without waiting for the government to lead the conversation. Informed and active citizens are the foundation of any democracy.

Prioritising Education and Public Awareness:

A commitment to education—both in formal institutions and in public forums—is essential for creating an informed electorate. Citizens need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to critically assess the actions of their leaders and demand accountability. This includes better civic education that goes beyond the classroom to include public discussions, debates, and media platforms where issues can be addressed and solutions proposed.

Rebuilding Trust in Public Institutions:

Trust in government institutions must be restored. Political leaders need to adopt a more transparent approach to governance, ensuring that public funds are used for their intended purposes.

Fighting corruption must become a non-negotiable priority, and leaders should be held accountable for any misuse of public resources.

Effective oversight institutions, such as the Auditor General and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, must be empowered to carry out their mandates without fear or favor.

Fostering Unity through Dialogue:

A national dialogue aimed at reconciling the divisions within society could go a long way in fostering unity.

Political leaders, religious leaders, business leaders, and civil society actors should come together to create a roadmap for addressing the nation’s challenges.

This dialogue must be inclusive, ensuring that all voices—particularly those from marginalized communities—are heard and respected.

Unity will not come from top-down directives but from a grassroots movement of individuals committed to healing the rifts that have divided Kenya for so long.

Leading by Example:

Finally, political leaders must lead by example. The moral authority of leadership is built on trust, and this trust can only be earned through actions that reflect the values of honesty, integrity, and service.

Leaders must resist the temptation to exploit the system for personal gain and instead demonstrate a commitment to sacrifice, humility, and the greater good.

Only when leaders put the needs of their people before their own ambitions can the nation begin to rebuild the trust necessary for lasting change.

The challenges Kenya faces today are significant, but they are not insurmountable. The country stands at the brink of either a continued spiral into frustration and division, or a collective awakening — a movement towards a new era of leadership, service, and sacrifice.

It is a call for Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliations, to join hands in building a nation that reflects the ideals of honesty, goodwill, and collective responsibility.

The path to a better Kenya begins with the recognition that leadership is not merely about holding power but about serving the people with integrity and a deep commitment to the common good.

In these uncertain times, it is up to all of us — citizens, political leaders, and institutions alike — to act with courage, integrity, and resolve. The future of the nation depends on the actions we take today.