“Madaraka” is a Swahili word that means “power” or “authority,” and in Kenya, we commemorate the
country's attainment of self-governance on the first day of June.This year Kenya celebrated 60 years
of Madaraka! It is important to note that our country had already attained independence and
independence without the power to govern ourselves as a nation would have been meaningless. This
can be observed even at work and therefore employers need to give their employees Time ,Process
and Task autonomy to plan and execute their duties. Businesses must promote a culture of
independence, autonomy, and accountability for employees to feel empowered, and motivated.
To promote such a culture, employers can employ the following strategies:
Define Roles and Expectations Clearly: Clarity of roles and expectations for each role enables
employees to take ownership of their job. Clear deliverables also allow business owners to be more
comfortable with autonomy.
Encourage Open Communication: Promote a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing
their thoughts, worries, and suggestions. Regular formal and informal feedback sessions should be
encouraged to foster interaction and teamwork. Actively listen to employee feedback and consider
their opinions. One of the signs of a healthy work environment is the freedom to communicate freely
within acceptable professional limits.
Learning and development: Empower employees with the relevant skills to increase their chances of
successfully achieving their deliverables. Learning opportunities can be provided through regular
training; technology has made this easier since organizations can invest in online resources. An
employer will be comfortable giving autonomy to skilled employees. Skilled employees will also feel
confident to take up more responsibilities.
Delegation of duties: Allowing staff to take up more challenging assignments based on their
qualifications and interests. Give them the freedom to decide on their own and hold them accountable.
This will encourage employees to take calculated risks and improve problem-solving skills.
Lead by Example: Leaders play a crucial role in promoting a culture by practising what they
advocate for. In this case leaders should encourage employees to think freely and take responsibility
for their job while offering support and direction.