A Strategic Leadership Programme (SLP) was delivered over five days in Mombasa, Kenya. This was the first delivery of a face-to-face course to the country since March 2020. The delegates consisted of a mix of 25 military and civilian senior officials, of whom four were female, drawn from the Kenyan Navy, Kenyan Maritime Authorities in Mombasa, Kenyan Coast Guard Service, International Transport Workers Authority, Bandari Maritime Academy, and the International Maritime Organisation. The course was taught by Dr Bryan Watters, Cranfield University’s School of Defence and Security and Lt Col John Skliros, International Section, Defence Academy of the UK.
Due to the enthusiastic engagement of the delegates and their diverse backgrounds, the course was a success, and made a positive contribution to UK Defence Engagement. In the feedback a delegate commented: “The contents of the course/programme suits the level or ranks of all participants. The programme is well captured and realized. I have come to truly understand the complexity of leadership and in the process opened up myself/my mind to accepting this challenge. Very engaging, well-articulated lectures delivered strategically for all participants to understand. The scope of participants was very good and enabled good understanding since we all had basic maritime security experience. The trainers have practical experience in the field. A leader should be open minded whenever dealing with any situation”.
Course Synopsis
The aim of SLP Kenya was: “To enhance the strategic leadership performance of selected officers and officials from across the defence and wider security sectors.”
Objectives
- Explore contemporary leadership paradigms and theories.
- Recognise differences between command, leadership, and management.
- Consider the importance of self-awareness.
- Describe the development of strategy and the strategic context.
- Describe the challenge of change and evaluate a change programme.
- Explore the significance of culture.
- Examine ethical theories and critical decision-making.
- Appreciate the relationship between communication and influence.
