- Ashford Kimani argues that excellence should lead to greater responsibility rather than personal privilege.
- Using biblical examples, he says leadership should be measured by stewardship, accountability and service.
- He reflects on teacher Raphael Ng’ang’a’s bid to serve Kahawa West Ward as MCA.
The world often teaches that the greatest reward for excellence is a promotion, a higher salary or a more prestigious title. While these may accompany success, Scripture presents a different perspective. In God’s kingdom, the greatest reward for faithfulness is not comfort but a greater assignment. Those who faithfully discharge smaller responsibilities are entrusted with larger ones. They are called to serve more people, carry heavier burdens and become greater stewards of God’s purposes.
Jesus made this principle clear in the Parable of the Talents. After the servants had faithfully managed what had been entrusted to them, the master did not merely congratulate them or increase their wealth. Instead, he declared, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things” (Matthew 25:21). The reward for faithful service was greater responsibility. God measures greatness not by status but by stewardship.
This biblical principle runs throughout Scripture. David was not called directly from obscurity to sit on Israel’s throne. He first proved himself as a shepherd, faithfully tending his father’s sheep. While others saw an ordinary shepherd boy, God saw a future king being prepared through ordinary responsibilities. David’s willingness to protect sheep from lions and bears demonstrated the courage, commitment and faith that would later enable him to lead a nation. His throne was simply a greater assignment flowing from faithfulness in a smaller one.
Joseph’s life tells the same story. He excelled in Potiphar’s house and was entrusted with the entire household. In prison, despite suffering unjustly, he remained diligent until he was placed in charge of fellow prisoners. Eventually, Pharaoh entrusted him with the administration of Egypt. Joseph’s journey teaches that every greater assignment is preceded by excellence in the present assignment. God promotes character before He promotes position.
Moses likewise began by shepherding sheep in Midian before God entrusted him with leading millions of Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua faithfully served as Moses’ assistant for many years before receiving the responsibility of leading Israel into the Promised Land. Elisha faithfully ministered alongside Elijah before inheriting his prophetic mantle. Even the apostles first demonstrated faithfulness as disciples before Christ commissioned them to carry the Gospel to the nations.
These biblical examples challenge our modern understanding of leadership. Leadership is not about climbing the ladder of power. It is about expanding one’s capacity to serve. Every promotion in Scripture came with greater accountability. Every higher office demanded deeper humility and greater sacrifice.
From classroom to public leadership
This is the lens through which the political journey of Raphael Ng’ang’a should be understood. His transition from the classroom to seeking the office of Member of County Assembly for Kahawa West Ward is not simply a change of profession. It represents the possibility of a greater assignment. The classroom has been his training ground, where he has invested in shaping minds, nurturing discipline and preparing young people for productive citizenship. Those years of service have cultivated patience, integrity, listening skills and a commitment to developing others—qualities that are equally essential in public leadership.
A teacher’s influence extends far beyond examination results. Every lesson taught, every learner encouraged and every life transformed contributes to building society. In many ways, teachers are nation builders. If the people of Kahawa West Ward entrust Raphael Ng’ang’a with the office of MCA, his classroom simply becomes larger. Instead of guiding dozens of learners, he would be called to represent and serve thousands of residents whose aspirations deserve thoughtful leadership and practical solutions.
Scripture reminds us that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). Jesus completely transformed the world’s understanding of leadership. Greatness is measured by service, not status. Authority exists to uplift others, not to elevate oneself. Therefore, an MCA should never view the office as a reward for personal ambition but as an opportunity to serve more people with greater diligence.
The responsibilities of a Member of County Assembly are substantial. They include legislation, oversight of county resources, representation of wananchi and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the ward. These responsibilities affect roads, health services, markets, youth empowerment, environmental conservation, early childhood education and community welfare. Such work requires wisdom, accountability and unwavering integrity.
The qualities that make an effective teacher can become powerful assets in public office. Teachers solve problems every day. They mediate conflicts, manage limited resources, inspire excellence and remain accountable for results. These same competencies are invaluable in county leadership. Raphael Ng’ang’a’s experience in education demonstrates an understanding that leadership begins with serving others before seeking recognition.
Greater responsibility, greater accountability
However, the Bible also warns that greater assignments bring greater accountability. James 3:1 reminds us that those entrusted with leadership will be judged more strictly. Public office is therefore not a platform for privilege but a sacred trust. Citizens rightly expect transparency, accessibility, prudent stewardship of public resources and measurable development. The true measure of leadership lies not in campaign promises but in faithful service after the election.
The story of Nehemiah further reinforces this truth. Though he held a comfortable position as cupbearer to the Persian king, he accepted the greater assignment of rebuilding Jerusalem’s broken walls. His leadership was marked by vision, sacrifice, prayer, integrity and perseverance despite intense opposition. Great assignments often require leaders to leave personal comfort in pursuit of the common good.
If the electorate of Kahawa West Ward places its confidence in Raphael Ng’ang’a, the office of MCA should never be viewed as the destination of his journey. Rather, it would mark the beginning of an even greater responsibility. The values that shaped his work in the classroom—discipline, service, accountability and commitment to human development—would now be tested on a broader stage.
Ultimately, God’s pattern remains unchanged. He entrusts greater responsibilities to those who demonstrate faithfulness in smaller ones. Promotions may bring titles, recognition and influence, but their true purpose is to enlarge one’s opportunity to serve. The greatest reward for excellence is not increased income or elevated status. It is a greater assignment.
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For Raphael Ng’ang’a, the movement from the classroom to seeking leadership in Kahawa West Ward reflects this enduring biblical principle. If entrusted with public office, the challenge will not simply be to occupy a higher seat but to embrace a higher calling—to serve more people, solve greater problems, steward public resources faithfully and demonstrate that authentic leadership is measured not by power acquired but by lives transformed.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford is a teacher of English and Literature and writes on education and social affairs.
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