The Centrality of Plato’s Philosopher Genius in Contemporary County Governance: Professor-governed Counties in Kenya

Abstract

This study explores the Centrality of Plato's Concept of the Philosopher Genius in Contemporary County Governance in Kenya. Its point of departure is thus interrogating the veracity of the assumption by both the Republic of Plato and the Republic of Kenya that governors who have achieved the highest possible educational attainment will, incontrovertibly, mirror Plato’s Philosopher Genius and the counties they govern will, indubitably, mirror Plato’s Ideal Polis (Kallipolis). Hence, to this end, Professor Governors and professor-governed counties are singled out as the optimal units of analysis. Thereafter, the study adopts a double-pronged methodological approach wherein a Philosopher Genius Model that underpins the cardinal virtues of the Philosopher Genius is embraced as the yardstick for ascertaining whether Professor Governors are, in actual fact, Philosopher Geniuses, and wherein county reports are scrutinised to ascertain whether professor-governed counties mirror Plato’s Kallipolis. It is within this frame of reference that the study confirms that Professor Governors are the ne plus ultra of Plato’s Philosopher Genius, and equally confirms the Centrality of Plato’s Philosopher Genius in Contemporary County Governance in Kenya, with the caveat that there is more to establishing an Ideal Polis than solely governance by governors who are Philosopher Genius exemplars. Key Words: County, County Governance in Kenya, Education, Governor, Ideal Governance, Kallipolis, Philosopher, Philosopher Genius, Plato, Polis, Professor Governor, Professor-Governed, Virtue.