State Department for Cabinet Affairs Principal Secretary Idris Dokota has challenged Public Administrators to evolve their leadership style to be in tandem with prevailing social, economic, and political dynamics around the globe.
Speaking during the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) leadership seminar at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) in Mombasa, Dokota said the governance of any country is highly dependent on how the leadership responds to the dynamics of societal needs.
“Leadership plays a key role in sustainable economic growth and progressive development. This role is more pronounced due to the evolving nature of education systems, employment avenues, income inequality, food security, social support, and community safety, among other socioeconomic parameters,” said Dokota.
The PS added that unprecedented globalisation and advancement in technology have necessitated a paradigm shift in the way leadership and administration in the 21st century are shaping up going into the future.
He noted that it was paramount to equip leaders today with skills that will enhance organisational performance and ensure institutions remain relevant and responsive to modern-day needs.
“For leadership to remain relevant, duty bearers must change with the changing socioeconomic, political, and technological space,” added PS Dokota.
Dokota pointed out that identification, prioritisation, and formulation of policies, programmes, and projects is critical in responding to leadership dynamism.
He called on leaders across the board to endeavour to strengthen and broaden leadership capacities to achieve the challenging goals of our times.
Secretary General (SG) of the AAPAM, Prof. George Scott, noted that the critical role of leadership in navigating the complex and rapidly changing landscape is a discourse African leaders and administrators should prioritise to be on par with global standards.
He added that the continent faces multifaceted challenges ranging from economic inequality to climate change and political instability.
“As African leaders, public administrators, and policy experts, we must not only recognise these challenges but actively seek to innovate and find sustainable solutions to address them,” said Prof. Scott.
By Andrew Hinga
