The County Government of Kitui and Africa’s Voices Foundation (AVF) have embarked on a drive to strengthen citizens’ participation in governance and decision-making through sustained, inclusive and plural dialogue.
Africa’s Voices is a UK-registered non-profit organization based in Nairobi whose programs are geared towards promotion of citizen-driven development approach.
The civic campaign is part of a pilot project being implemented by the NGO in collaboration with the three Ukambani counties of Kitui, Makueni and Machakos under the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB).
The initiative targets those marginalized in terms of information reach particularly the underprivileged elderly persons, people living with disabilities and youth.
In the last three days, a team comprising officers from the county government and Africa’s Voices conducted citizens’ forums in Kitui Central, Kitui South and Mwingi Central Sub-Counties.
The meetings sought to accord the wananchi an avenue to take a proactive role in prioritization and implementation of development projects with a view to promoting accountable governance.
The County Director for SEKEB Peter Nguli and Africa’s Voices’ Grants and Projects Manager Mary Nzilani led the engagements which were moderated by Assistant Directors for Civic Education Shadrack Musyoki and Jacob Maingi assisted by Mary Kasiva, AVF’s Research Officer.
Key issues that took the centre stage during the interactive sessions revolved around enhanced water provision, improvement of road networks to ease trade, setting up of industries to spur local economies and promotion of grassroot healthcare systems.
The participants also underscored the need for devolved governments under SEKEB to link farmers to lucrative markets for farm produce like green grams to shield them from exploitative brokerage, safeguard welfare of persons living with disabilities and promote local economic ventures so as to improve livelihoods.
The discussions formed a follow-up of interactive radio talkshows which the partners have over the last few months been spearheading through Musyi FM, a vernacular radio station.
The wananchi sentiments registered during the dialogues will be escalated to the county administration for subsequent consideration.
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