Kenya’s Senator Nyong’o defines leadership at Stetson’s Values Day

Senator Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o of Kenya spoke on the Gulfport campus about “Leaders: Men and Women Who Make a Difference,” during Stetson University’s Values Day on Sept. 19.

Senator Nyong’o described his formative experiences with historic colonialism in Africa and the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. that shaped his perception of leadership and being an inspiring leader. He spoke of Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and President Barack Obama.

“A leader is not feared. He or she is respected. A good leader does not repress. He or she inspires,” Senator Nyong’o told the audience of students, staff and faculty gathered to hear him talk.

Senator Nyong’o teaches at the University of Nairobi in the department of political science and public administration. He struggled against authoritarian rule in Kenya throughout his academic career, and was among the leaders who made a breakthrough into multiple party politics in 1992. Elected to Parliament in 1992, he served in several capacities including Minister for Planning and National Development and Minister for Medical Services. He is currently Senator for Kisumu County, a member of the Senate Committee of Finance, Budget and Commerce and chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts and Investments. He is the author of several books and articles on democracy, democratization, the state and the political economy of development in Africa.

Values Day is an annual tradition developed by Stetson University’s eighth president, H. Douglas Lee, to celebrate the university’s commitment to its core values of personal growth, intellectual development and global citizenship and to encourage dialogue among students, faculty and staff.

“A good leader makes a positive impact on people’s lives,” Senator Nyong’o reminded the audience.

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Post date: Sept. 20, 2016

Media contact: Kate Bradshaw
[email protected] | 727-430-1580