The Swahili saying, “Hayawi, hayawi, huwa” (What seems impossible or takes a long time, eventually happens) resonates profoundly with Kenya’s reality at this time.
I first heard this chanted by women in communities at the Coast of Kenya when I was a Social Science Researcher. The statement was often accompanied by laughter and a warm welcome.
There’s no laughter today. Only a stark realization of how deeply this truth applies to the brewing frustrations that culminated on Wednesday, 25th June 2025.
The Poignant Reality of “Huwa” (Happens)
For some, this day was a moment long-awaited with fervent hope.
For many others, particularly our Boomers and Gen Xs, it was a day approached with profound trepidation and heavy hearts, fearing the very outcomes that tragically unfolded.
The human cost has been immense, and our hearts go out to all those affected and impacted.
The raw energy and unwavering calls for accountability from Gen Z are undeniable. They are articulating a visceral loss of hope for their future, driven by pressing issues of the economy, governance, and opportunity.
This creates a challenging, often heart-wrenching, dynamic for all of us as parents, mentors, and leaders, as we navigate supporting our loved ones while grappling with our own concerns for their safety and the nation’s stability.
Juggling Multiple Roles in Turbulent Times
For women in leadership, business, and civil society, this period carries an added, often unseen, burden.
Not only are we strategizing for our organizations, businesses, and customers amidst national uncertainty. We are also carrying the burden of leading through crisis and ensuring that the well-being of our team members is taken care of.
That is on the work front.
At a personal level, many women are simultaneously managing deeply personal concerns, especially for mothers of our passionately engaged Gen Z. And some are also supporting partners, family members, and friends through these turbulent times.
The mental, emotional, physical, and practical demands of these multiple roles are immense. They require incredible resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to both our professional responsibilities and our families’ well-being.
If you’re looking to strengthen your personal and professional networks to better navigate such times, you might find my previous post on How to Create A Support System That Actually Supports You helpful.
The Urgent Need for National Healing: Benefits for All
In the aftermath of such a pivotal and painful day like this, the question shifts to: What happens now?
Beyond policy changes and immediate responses, there is a profound and urgent need for healing as a nation.
This healing is not just an abstract concept; it is critical for improving daily life and work for everyone, especially for those who are navigating complex leadership roles and family responsibilities.
When a nation finds stability, healing, and a renewed sense of hope, we can expect significant improvements, especially for women in leadership and business.
1. Improved Productivity and Morale
Turbulent times inevitably lead to low morale, stress, and decreased productivity across all sectors.
A stable, healing environment reduces anxiety and uncertainty, allowing individuals and teams to refocus their energy on innovation, work quality, and achieving goals.
Businesses also operate more predictably and incur fewer losses, leading to better economic performance.
2. Enhanced Mental and Emotional Well-Being
The pervasive stress of social unrest takes a heavy toll on mental health. National healing brings a sense of security and a reduction in psychological burden.
For mothers, this is particularly impactful, as a calmer national atmosphere makes it easier to manage children’s emotions, fears, and anxieties. When the home front is more stable emotionally, mothers are better equipped to engage fully in their professional lives.
3. Strengthened Social Cohesion
Healing fosters trust and understanding between different groups and generations. This creates a more collaborative and supportive societal fabric, essential for solving complex national challenges.
For women in leadership, this means a more conducive environment for building partnerships, advocating for change, and driving inclusive initiatives.
On the business end, there is less friction and more trust across the board, leading to better business relationships and networks.
4. A Foundation for Healing & Sustainable Growth
True healing and restoration lay the groundwork for long-term stability and economic growth. When communities are healthy, individuals are empowered, and institutions are trusted, the conditions are ripe for progress that benefits everyone.
This makes life and work generally easier, less fraught with uncertainty, and more aligned with the aspirations for a prosperous future.
This healing process must involve:
- Acknowledging the trauma: Recognizing the deep pain, loss, and fear experienced by individuals and communities.
- Ensuring accountability and justice: For those who lost their lives or were injured, and for instances of excessive force. This is foundational for trust.
- Empathetic dialogue: Creating safe spaces for all voices to be heard, bridging generational and ideological divides with respect and understanding.
- Addressing root causes: Tackling the systemic issues that fuel disillusionment and despair, especially among our youth, to build a future worth aspiring to.
- Prioritizing collective well-being: Supporting mental and emotional health across our communities, recognizing the unique strains on women juggling multiple high-stakes roles.
We Choose What Happens Next, Actively or Passively
“Hayawi, hayawi, huwa” now serves as a poignant reminder that unresolved issues will eventually manifest.
Our collective task is to ensure that what happens next is a movement towards genuine healing, justice, sustainable progress, and a renewed sense of hope for every Kenyan.
Finally, let’s commit to engaging constructively and compassionately as we embark on this vital path to healing our nation, supporting each other every step of the way.
I’d love to hear from you
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below:
- How do you navigate the demands of such dynamic times across your professional and personal roles?
- What gives you strength and hope for Kenya’s path forward?
Your insights are invaluable as we move forward together.
(Photo by Wendy Brooks on Unsplash)
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