Meet
John Gitonga
Mentor Kenya
Name: John Gitonga
Country: Kenya
How long have you been a mentor and how did you learn about the ICLD?
I have been an ICLD mentor for 7years (since 2017 first ITP cohort of Inclusive political leadership). I learned about ICLD from a collaborative programme with UN habitat and Council of Governors in 2015, where our organisation (IGS) was selected to support ICLD programme called the Executive Course on Leadership in the Urban Context 2015, whose goal was to strengthen County Governors capacity to handle challenges and opportunities arising from urbanization in counties
Area of Expertise?
Programme Management, Sustainable Development, Urban Development, capacity Building.
Why did you become a mentor?
I became a mentor to share knowledge and experiences on areas I am familiar with, offer support and direction while observing the mentee evolve to better manage the situations and create meaningful impacts in the society.
Why do you like to mentor?
Through mentoring I am able to provide guidance and support that ultimately enhances the capacity of individuals and institutions, that result in improved governance, thereby contributing to socioeconomic development. It’s also provides an opportunity to learn from mentees as they come from diverse background and with different perspectives and self-reflections contributing to broadening my knowledge base. Finally, mentoring fascinates me and provides the joy of fulfilment when I learn of the impactful outcomes and results from my involvement.
What are the success factors for building dynamic, inclusive and professional mentoring culture?
Building trust and respect is very crucial in mentoring. Secondly, effective and open communication is equally important as it enables parties to keep each other abreast and updated in the process. Mentoring is a two-way journey and sharing knowledge enhances the process and contributes to the art of nurturing
What is the most challenging thing while being a mentor?
Some of the notable challenges I have encountered are some mentees expecting the mentor to do their works (over dependence of mentor to do mentees work) which can result in conflict, Lack of keeping and managing deadlines, some mentees not being proactive and sometimes expecting results rather quickly. In some cases, lack of support from their local governments in integrating proposed changes and incorporate new ideas into institutional culture.
What is your passion in life?
Am passionate working in broad development sector programmes that bring about positive change in society as well as contributing towards inclusion of marginalised and vulnerable in decision making process especially in urban context. I also love travelling to learn from other countries and communities how they solve similar challenges that can be replicable in local contexts