Dr. Ekrah Ndung’u Urges Deeper Intergenerational Listening at Dialogue Forum

 

Dr. Ekrah Ndung’u, the National Chairperson of the Kenya National Association of Private Colleges, has called for deeper and more intentional intergenerational listening, emphasizing that genuine dialogue between age groups is essential for building a resilient and united Kenya.

Dr. Ndung’u made her remarks while moderating a transgenerational conversation held in Nairobi, which brought together thought leaders including former Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana and Kenya Methodist University Vice Chancellor Rev. Prof. Henry Kobia. The event aimed to foster meaningful conversations between the country’s seasoned leaders and its younger generation.

While not a featured speaker, Dr. Ndung’u’s contributions during the session resonated powerfully. She urged participants to treat the wisdom of older generations not as nostalgia but as a "sacred curriculum" — a living legacy of resilience that can help guide young people through the complexities of the present and future.

“We must move from telling to inviting,” Dr. Ndung’u said during her moderation. “Older generations shouldn’t impose their perspectives, but start by asking young people what they see and experience. Only then can wisdom be offered in ways that truly empower.”

She emphasized that mentorship must evolve from being a top-down transfer of authority to a shared journey rooted in mutual respect and learning. “Mentorship should not be about control, but about legacy — lighting the path forward without dimming the creativity and innovation of the youth,” she noted.

In a moment that captured the theme of the event, Dr. Ndung’u posed a question that lingered with many: “Are we truly experiencing a generational gap, or is it in fact a listening gap?” She suggested that the real issue may not be age, but the lack of deep, empathetic listening across generational lines.

“Your presence is prophetic when it empowers,” she reflected, urging senior leaders to walk with the youth rather than ahead of them.

The event served as a timely reminder that Kenya’s future depends on bridging generational divides through dialogue, mentorship, and shared purpose. Participants welcomed the conversation as a necessary step toward rethinking leadership and legacy in a rapidly changing society.

As moderator, Dr. Ndung’u successfully steered the discussion toward actionable insights, reinforcing the idea that sustainable national progress will come when experience and innovation meet on equal ground — and when listening becomes the foundation of transformation.

The event was a joint event with Kenya National Cohesion & Integration Commission and representing the Commission was the Chairperson Prof Kobia and the Commission CEO.