Charting a Course for Transformative Public Leadership in Africa

On Wednesday, 10th January 2023, we hosted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for the Public Leadership in Africa Programme, a newly launched policy programme, set to kick-off in April 2024 through to August 2024.

The FGD served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions, with a particular focus on identifying opportunities and challenges for policy research and knowledge management at the county level. This crucial dialogue shed light on the unique dynamics and intricacies that will be addressed by the upcoming Public Leadership in Africa Programme.

Participants in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) included key players from various sectors, bringing a wealth of expertise and insights to the table. Among the distinguished participants included Dr. David Mutegi Giti, the Assistant Director, Kenya Vision 2030 and the Asisstant Director for Housing and Slum Upgrading, Eugene Ngumi, Public Affairs Director, East and Central Africa at Coca Cola, John Kimwela, Head of Inter Governemntal relations, Dr. Benjamin Kimolo, Head of Policy at Nairobi County, Rueben Sikulu, Assistant Policy Researcher at Nairobi County and Dr. Kamau Wairuri, Director of the Strathmore Institute of Public Policy and Governance.

Some of the key takeaways from the FGDs included:

County-Level Research. The emphasis on the need to tailor policy research to the specific challenges and opportunities existing at the county level. Acknowledging the diverse nature of counties, the discussions underscored the importance of developing targeted strategies that resonate with local contexts.

Knowledge Management. The significance of effective knowledge management surfaced as a pivotal aspect of successful public leadership. Participants highlighted the need for robust systems to capture, share, and apply knowledge gained through policy research to drive informed decision-making.

Collaborative Governance. The discussions further emphasized the role of intergovernmental relations in shaping public leadership. The discussions brought to the forefront the importance of fostering collaborative governance structures that enhance coordination and synergy among various governmental levels.

As the groundwork is laid for the Public Leadership in Africa Programme, these insights will serve as a guiding force, ensuring the Programme addresses the highlighted challenges and leverages the opportunities inherent in the African public leadership landscape.

Learn more about the Public Leadership in Africa Programme here >> https://sbs.strathmore.edu/public-leadership-in-africa-programme/