Africa must train leaders to decode key world agenda

The passing of the proposed Constitution by an overwhelming vote has heralded a new dawn.

Kenyans must be the most optimistic people in the world as they have a sense of a brighter future and are willing to learn from past mistakes.

Nothing best illustrates this sense of social, economic and political optimism than the results of this past referendum.

The peace and tranquility before and after the plebiscite is admirable given the chaos after the 2007 polls.

From such a perspective, Kenya may well be set to act as the Africa Union leading light.

In years to come, Kenya’s success in unveiling of a new practical constitution highlighting local concerns and indeed through a homegrown process will undoubtedly remain a case study worth emulating from all other developing African countries.

However, from a management perspective and taking into consideration that developing nations need to be managed like firms, we need to take time to nurture and literally develop leaders.

Train youth

Kenya and indeed Africa need seasoned leaders to use constitutions in driving the engine of growth.

We may have done outstandingly well in training the youth but leadership has been relegated to the back burner.

The need for qualified charismatic leaders who can mobilise and rally people to greater heights cannot be understated.

Leaders, we need to underscore, are people in political, business and even social spheres who are assertive, accommodative, democratic, rational and confident to chart a new course for Kenya and Africa.

With all the existing social political and economic fundamentals, there’s no denying that there is a compelling reason for growth in Africa.

Africa is a virgin continent and although a couple of multinationals and development organisations are here, there’s still much to be exploited by Africans.

On the business front, the future lies in the hands of the indigenous firms who have accumulated a wealth of experience and need to think and act proactively to expand and increase their market share.