It is often said that leaders reflect the people they lead. This is true of Uni leadership as well as national politics. Recently, Daystar students in conjuction with Center for study and practice of democracy(CDD) held a leadership cafe at the main campus in Athi River to discuss leadership and integrity.
The cafe was organized by Daystar student government to sensitize students on the kind of leadership that would be best for both students and the country as a whole.
“We saw it useful to host such a talk in order for students to understand that they are part and parcel of the political process and need to understand what the constitution says about leadership,” said Job Lukale the lead Cordinator of the cafe.
During the cafe, chapter six of the constitution was openly discussed in relation to the quality of leaders the country and institutions need to look out for. The role of students and the youth in the social economic and political process was not left out. The touchy issue of ethnicity in politics was also discussed.
In elaborating chapter six of the constitution, the guest speaker Charles Dulo, a lawyer, emphasized on the need to have a visionary leader.
“If you dont have vision, there is no way you can be a leader,” he said.
“It is our intention to provoke students to start judging and seeing if all these issues reflect the kind of leadership we have in Kenya,” said Mr. Ngulli a facilitator with CDD.
Some of the debates sparked off by the moderators and participants included the question of low involvement of women in political leadership and why students in private institutions are not interested in politics.
Students were challenged to to see themselves as powerful and viable change agents in society. In addition, the call for universities to come up with a proper way of vetting their leaders was also brought out. Understanding chapter six of the constitution came in handy for the students.
“The forum has been fruitful as it will now act as a benchmark in selecting our leaders both in the institution and for the country,” said Metrine Namalwa a fourth year student.
“The students were able to understand chapter six of the constitution, they will now have a benchmark to gauge those seeking leadership positions,” added Job Lukale.
A follow up forum is planned for Wednesday the 3rd of October 2012. CDD which provides a platform for citizen participation in social, economic and political issues is set to visit other Uni’s like USIU, Nazarene and Strathmore. The second phase of the forums will include talks on leadership from notable invited guests.
Key aspects of chapter 6
■ Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 focuses on Leadership and Integrity. This Chapter dictates the Responsibilities of Leadership and expects State Officers to be responsible and guided by principles of leadership and integrity.
■ The Chapter further elaborates on the conduct of State Officers, financial probity, restriction on activities and citizenship and leadership.
■ It is on the basis of this Chapter that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is established (Article 79) for purposes of ensuring compliance with, and enforcement of the provisions of Chapter Six.
■ The leadership and integrity bill, 2012 outlines general and specific leadership and integrity codes, the enforcement of the codes, declaration of income, assets and liabilities and offences and penalties among others.
What qualities are you looking for in your leaders?
