Toward paradigm shift in Kenya’s politics, leadership

In his eminent book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, American philosopher Thomas Kuhn introduced what is today arguably the most abused phrase, ‘paradigm shift’. In essence, a paradigm reflects a consensus view of a particular scientific community, brought into expression by the members of that community.

Kuhn argues that contrary to the hitherto venerated view that science progresses as a linear accumulation of new knowledge, in reality, it undergoes periodic revolutions called paradigm shifts.

His rendition of how science develops deviated radically from popular thought holding forte at the time. Where the standard account saw steady, cumulative ‘progress’, he saw discontinuities – a set of alternating ‘normal’ and ‘revolutionary’ phases in which communities of specialists in particular fields are plunged into periods of turmoil, uncertainty and angst.

For a long time conceptualisation of leadership in Kenya has been dominated by power and authority of the leader. Our leaders have been associated with commanding, controlling, being authoritarian and have shown an unwillingness to share power. Their leadership has for the longest time drawn its lifeline from control, division, fear, doubt, distrust, anger and pride. The struggle for the second liberation culminating in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution was in essence a journey to shift from autocrats to leaders willing to share power.

The Kenyan leader in his element is transactional and strongly predisposed to top-down thinking. The leader is a governor rather a servant, he commands. The paradigm is slowly but steadily shifting to transformational leadership where power emanates from the people. In essence we are eye witnesses to a paradigm shift of leadership from raw power of commanding to empowerment leadership of service to the people.

Indeed, the implementation of our governance architecture today is marked by a palpable level of arrogance, disconnect and abruptness emanating from among especially, but not limited to, political leaders. You can discern it from afar. Sometimes it makes one pause and ponder whether these were the kind of leaders that our nation deserves given that our instruments of power guided by the constitution take a people-centric perspective of service to the people.

Without a doubt, leaders shape and mould nations and states. They play a pivotal role in the elevation and acceleration of their nation’s social, economic and political development. So when leaders become disconnected from themselves, it sets into train a cascade of issues.

Internal incoherence leads to external chaos, resulting in disengaged governance structures and policy frameworks, institutional confusion and the perpetuation of a silo mentality to leadership, policy formulation and to service. This paradigm of leadership, operating from a place of contraction, is no longer in harmony with the Kenya that we, the people, want.

A cursory moment of reflection reveals the consciousness shift currently unfolding. Long before the Gen Z move, but certainly climbing upon its shoulders, there is an unmistakable movement toward diversity and inclusion and the mainstreaming of the youth and the vulnerable.

There was also the elevation of women in leadership, the awakening of people power and civic consciousness and engagement, the emergence of leaders as duty bearers, the pursuit of a harmonious balance between the public and the private and emotional intelligence. All these elements are propelling us toward a new leadership paradigm.

It’s about leaders operating from a place of expansion. A state of heightened self-awareness and empathy and a keen understanding of the profound impact they have on others. Within this paradigm, leadership transcends mere bottom-line results. It means cultivating an environment where individuals can thrive, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. Political mobilisation based solely on tribe is neutered.

Achieving this shift in leadership consciousness demands a concerted effort to delve inward. Leaders must tap into their hearts, forging coherence between heart and mind. As one consciously commits to this practice, new levels of awareness and perception emerge. This journey inward paves the way for harmonious communication, creativity, trust and collaboration within the nation and among the people. Citizens, who feel valued and listened to not just heard, are empowered to contribute their voices and ideas, fostering an environment of recognition and appreciation.

To embed the attributes of the new leadership into the fabric of the nation, a transformation of internal language and culture is imperative. This transformation starts by integrating these attributes into daily discourse and communications. The bigotry of roadside policy declarations and allocation of development resources is alien to the new leadership dispensation. By doing so, these attributes cease to be mere buzzwords and instead become an intrinsic part of Kenya’s political and governance DNA.

As our world undergoes a transformative evolution, our leadership paradigms must evolve in tandem. By adopting a mindset of expansion, cultivating self-awareness and embracing practices that promote well-being and collaboration, Kenya will not only thrive but also lead the way in this new era of leadership. It’s a paradigm shift that promises not just economic success but justice, equity and a shared prosperity for all.

The writer teaches globalisation and international development at Pwani University

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