Can the Notion of ‘Transformative Thought Leadership’ Solidify Peace in Kenya?

Although literature on _leadership _is saturated with schools of thought ranging from _essentialism_, _rationalism_, _critical theorists_ to _constructionism_, however, none of these scholarships provide analysis on linkages between the notion of _transformative thought leadership_ and gender equality as an integral part of political participation and peacebuilding processes. At a policy level, normative frameworks exist on inclusion of women in decision-making processes, yet participation of women remains ‘firsts’ and not ‘standard norm.’ In Kenya, although promulgation of the 2010 constitution marked a significant turning point for consolidating women’s participation in decision-making processes, representation of women in elective positions remains dismally at 19.7 per cent. Efforts by UN Women in a partnership with Kenyatta University to build a critical mass of women and youth leaders through the _African Centre for Transformative and Inclusive Leadership_ (ACTIL) however, seem to experience _insolvenc_y, owing to several structural forces, including lack of shared vision among collaborating institutions.