Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana was a visionary leader, celebrated for his determination to industrialise and modernise his nation. Yet, his leadership ended in a coup because, despite his grand ambitions, his people felt neglected as they struggled with daily necessities. Similarly, in Kenya, President William Ruto faces criticism for focusing on transformative, long-term projects while some Kenyans feel their basic needs are unmet. However, this critique may stem from a misunderstanding of leadership that seeks sustainable progress rather than immediate relief.
Nkrumah envisioned a Ghana that could produce its own goods, reducing dependency on imports and fostering economic independence. He built factories, hydroelectric plants, and industrial complexes—projects that required immense resources and time. However, these investments did not yield immediate results. His critics accused him of ignoring the pressing needs of ordinary Ghanaians who wanted food, shelter and basic services.
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In a similar vein, President Ruto’s administration has embarked on transformative initiatives. The Affordable Housing Scheme, Higher Education Funding Model, Universal Health Care, and Climate Change strategies are ambitious projects designed to address systemic issues that have plagued Kenya for decades. They aim to create sustainable solutions, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient nation. Yet, as these programmes progress, many Kenyans remain preoccupied with the rising cost of living, unemployment, and food insecurity.
Balancing act
Leadership, especially in developing nations, involves walking a tightrope between addressing immediate crises and investing in long-term goals. For President Ruto, this balancing act is particularly delicate. The pressure to provide immediate relief to struggling households is immense. Rising food prices, unpredictable weather patterns, and global economic instability amplify the urgency for short-term interventions.
Yet, it is important to recognise that quick fixes rarely yield lasting solutions. President Ruto’s focus on Affordable Housing, for instance, addresses the chronic housing deficit in urban areas. While it may not alleviate today’s food prices, it lays the foundation for future economic stability by creating jobs, boosting infrastructure, and reducing informal settlements.
Similarly, the Universal Health Care initiative aims to provide every Kenyan access to quality medical services, a goal that will pay dividends in healthier, more productive communities. These projects may not feed a hungry family today, but they are essential investments in Kenya’s future.
History is replete with examples of leaders who were criticised for their long-term visions. Nkrumah’s downfall reminds us of the disconnect that can arise between a leader’s ambitions and the immediate needs of their people. Visionary leaders often face resistance because their goals require patience, sacrifice, and trust—qualities that are hard to come by in times of crisis.
Climate change
President Ruto finds himself in a similar position. His focus on initiatives like climate change adaptation and carbon trading highlights his awareness of global trends that will inevitably impact Kenya. By positioning Kenya as a leader in carbon trading, his administration aims to turn the country’s natural resources into an economic advantage. These projects, however, are complex and require significant time and investment before they bear fruit.
Additionally, his push to monetise social media skills reflects a forward-thinking approach to harness the potential of Kenya’s tech-savvy youths. In a world increasingly driven by digital economies, empowering young Kenyans to earn through social media and online platforms could transform livelihoods. But such programmes require training, infrastructure, and support—factors that take time to materialise.
To avoid the fate of leaders like Nkrumah, President Ruto must address the immediate needs of his people while pursuing his transformative agenda. Effective communication is key. Explaining how grand projects will eventually improve lives can help build public trust and patience. Regular updates, transparency, and community engagement are essential to bridge the gap between government plans and public expectations.
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In the short term, targeted interventions to cushion vulnerable populations are necessary. Subsidies on essential goods, job creation initiatives, and measures to stabilise food prices can help alleviate the daily struggles many Kenyans face. By coupling these interventions with his long-term vision, President Ruto can demonstrate that he is both a practical and visionary leader.
Collective effort
History will judge President Ruto’s leadership not by the critiques he faces today but by the outcomes of his policies. If his initiatives succeed, Kenya could emerge as a stronger, more equitable nation with robust systems to support its population. However, the journey requires collective effort and an understanding that meaningful change takes time.
Like Nkrumah, Ruto is a leader driven by a vision that extends beyond his time in office. It is now up to Kenyans to decide whether to rally behind this vision, embracing the sacrifices required for a better future, or to demand short-term solutions that may offer temporary relief but jeopardise long-term gains.
In the end, leadership is about making tough choices. President Ruto, like Nkrumah, may be misunderstood today, but his true impact will be felt in the years to come. For Kenya to thrive, it must balance addressing the pressing needs of today with building a solid foundation for tomorrow. After all, great nations are not built in a day, and visionary leaders are often vindicated by history.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
Kamomonti teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub-county.
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