This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenya is at a critical juncture, where its leaders must inspire confidence and galvanize the nation to action. The country needs strong, effective, and inclusive leadership to guide it through and out of this crisis, which has the potential to be a turning point for Kenya.
History has taught us that countries need effective leadership to navigate crises. The word 'crisis' originates from the Greek word 'krises,' meaning 'turning point,' and was initially used to describe the moment of recovery from a disease. In moments of crisis, individuals and nations change for the better or worse, depending on how they manage the crisis.
Kenya is facing a health and economic crisis, with the Covid-19 pandemic having a devastating impact on the country. The government has implemented public health measures, such as social distancing, ban on public gatherings, and mandatory wearing of face masks, which have helped to contain the spread of the virus. However, the pandemic has also led to an economic crisis, threatening millions of jobs and businesses, particularly in sectors like aviation, tourism, and hospitality.
According to the World Bank, Kenya's economic growth is projected to decline to 1.5 percent this year, compared to 5.4 percent last year. To overcome this economic meltdown, the country needs an inclusive political approach focused on providing effective leadership in this time of uncertainty.
There is a welcome initiative to form a broad-based government involving various key political players, which could bring diverse ideas and skills to come up with lasting solutions to the social and economic challenges gripping the country. This is not a time for divisive politics and pursuit of narrow agendas linked to the 2022 elections, but rather a time for authentic leaders who value the nation-state above their personal interests to come together and provide inspired leadership.
Kenya is facing other serious challenges, such as floods, locusts invasion, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, cancer, and hunger, which if ignored, collectively pose an even greater threat than Covid-19. An inclusive political leadership is needed to rally and unite all Kenyans in overcoming these challenges.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is on the right track by reaching out to other influential political actors outside his Jubilee Party. He should form an inclusive government that reflects the face of Kenya and focused on crafting strategies for post-Covid economic recovery under the Big Four Agenda and the Vision 2030.
