- She stressed that the role of senior leaders should shift from control to legacy transfer.
- She reminded leaders that true progress will only come when the resilience of the past meets the energy of the present
By John Kariuki
Senior leaders have been challenged to move beyond traditional authority and embrace mentorship as a way of empowering Kenya’s youth to take charge of the country’s future.
Kenya National Association of Private Colleges Chairperson Dr. Ekrah Ndung’u said older generations must actively nurture young people through deeper intergenerational dialogue that values listening as much as teaching.
Speaking during a transgenerational forum attended by respected figures including Prof. Kivutha and Kenya Methodist University Vice Chancellor Rev. Prof. Kobia, Dr. Ndung’u warned against reducing the wisdom of elders to nostalgia.
Instead, she urged leaders to share their lived experiences as “narratives of resilience” that can guide the youth while leaving room for creativity and innovation.
She stressed that the role of senior leaders should shift from control to legacy transfer.
“Your presence is prophetic when it empowers,” she said. “Real transformation happens when mentors walk alongside the younger generation, not ahead of them.”
Dr. Ndung’u argued that what is often described as a generational gap is, in fact, a “listening gap.”
She said elders must begin by asking young people what they see and experience in today’s world before offering their insights.
Her remarks struck a chord with participants, underscoring the urgency of bridging divides through dialogue and mentorship.
She reminded leaders that true progress will only come when the resilience of the past meets the energy of the present, and when wisdom is offered as a guide rather than a limitation.
