Ubuntu Philosophy and Catholic Social Teaching Unite as a Common-Good Guiding Principle for Kenyan Public Servants
By Ms. Teresia Muia
On 5th October 2024, Loyola Centre for Media and Communication took part in a dialogue on integrity and leadership inspired by Chapter 6 of the Kenyan Constitution. Organized by the Hanns Seidel Foundation in collaboration with the Justice and Peace Department of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, KCCB-CJPD, The function sought to highlight the delicate balancing act at the root of corruption, where personal interest is weighed against the public good.
The participants emphasized the need to cultivate Ubuntu values, a philosophy rooted in African communal traditions that emphasizes interdependence and prioritizes the community’s welfare over individual interests. They noted that Ubuntu could inspire public servants to be selfless and focus their efforts on serving the people. “This philosophy acknowledges personal roots and interests but reminds us they must align with the public good,” said one participant.
Fr. John Webotsa from KCCB-CJPD reinforced this by asserting that Catholic Social Teaching plays a crucial role in promoting ethical standards among public servants. He pointed out the Principle of the Common Good as one that demands leaders look unto the entirety of society’s good and to draft policies and decisions to the same perspective of the community. The principle points to the constitutional requirements that place obligations on public officials not to serve special interests, including their own.
Fr. Webotsa added that the other principle of CST is respect for human dignity, which understands that every person possesses dignity worthy of respect. He further noted that corruption and uncontrolled selfishness erode human dignity and result in inequality and injustice. “When leaders get corrupted, they lose respect for citizens’ rights and dignity,” he said.
This was a golden opportunity for reflection, where participants shared their views on integrity and vision in leadership. It brings out the possibility of combining Ubuntu and Catholic Social Teaching in guiding a culture of ethical public service in Kenya.
