Leadership sets the tempo of economic growth

Eunice Awuor at work in Kibuye market, Kisumu County. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Who is your favourite political leader of all time? Many would say Nelson Mandela because of leading South Africa out of the shackles of apartheid. Interestingly, South Africa is not as united as it was when Mandela was President.

Today, Julius Malema, once youth leader in the Africa National Congress, leads the Economic Freedom Party. He is one of the ANC government’s fiercest critics. Does that mean the foundation Mandela built wasn’t strong enough? The jury still is out.

For me, Mandela was a great leader for his unique season. He rose to presidency at a time when reconciliation was one of South Africa’s deepest needs. This need couldn’t be met through bravado. He had to bring forth the diplomat in him, which might appear weak to some. However, Mandela was no push over. He was resolute.

His five years of presidency, 1994 to 1999, were characterised by strong economic growth. He took firm decisions like rejecting nationalisation, the official policy of his party. He also used his famed diplomacy to increase trade opportunities for South Africa.

Great leadership often hinges on firm resolution and commitment to values. Although millions admired the late Tanzanian President John Magufuli, others found his leadership style authoritarian.

However, the best way to judge leaders is by interrogating their results. As Jesus said of His followers, you will know them by their fruits. In May 2016, six months after Magufuli took office, he had secured victory for Dar es Salaam, commercial capital. He launched the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that instantly turned Dar es Salaam into one of the few African cities with an efficient public transport system. He went on to achieve more, including streamlining public service delivery and weeding out corruption. He achieved this through his legendary firm leadership style.

History will best judge President Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership style. Factually, Kenya’s economy is in its best ever state. In 2021, Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5 per cent, making ours one of Africa’s fastest growing economy. We are Africa’s sixth strongest economy, behind Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco. In Sub-Saharan Africa, we are third strongest economy.

Egypt and Algeria were led by strong, no-nonsense presidents for at least two decades. In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak was president from 1981 to 2011. In Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika led from 1999 to 2019. Back to Kenya, the evidence is clear that our economy is doing well even if many people are yet to feel the benefits, political overtones notwithstanding.

Keith Hansen, World Bank Country Director for Kenya has an answer, “Kenya’s economy has shown considerable resilience to the enormous shock of the pandemic, and this year is expected to post one of the stronger growth rebounds in the region thanks to diversified sources of growth and sound economic policies.”

The sound economic policies and management have been led by President Kenyatta. There is of course room for improvement, particularly regarding job creation and poverty reduction. This will need strong decisive leadership at all levels. At the presidency, I only nudge President Kenyatta to enact the National Climate Change Council for Kenya to strategically face the future with confidence. Think green, act green!

-The writer is founder Green Africa Foundation. www.kaluagreen.com