By Isaac Esitika.
CECM Salmon Orimba addressing the forum photos by Ian Muhanji
Kisumu County is taking a bold step toward enhancing public participation in governance by convening a citizen engagement forum.
In partnership with the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF). Held on Friday at Kisumu Hotel, the dialogue brought together county executive committee members (CECMs) and residents in a spirited and constructive exchange led by KARA CEO Mr. Henry Ochieng’.
With the theme of participatory development at its core, the forum offered residents an opportunity to air concerns on service delivery, waste management, and the perceived challenges of engaging with county systems.
Mr. Salmon Orimba, CECM for Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development, responded with detailed plans including the expansion of Huduma Mashinani to ward level, a move aimed at bringing services closer to the people.
“We will go to the village level, so that we can reach our smaller sub-city units, owners of this county, where we can get information,get the feelings of the citizens, so that we have our coverage of those whom we are responsible to.” Affirmed Mr. Orimba
He also described the ongoing repeal of the public participation policy, currently before the County Assembly to outline and give clear guidance following a concern of poor public participation and information delivery.
CECM for the Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Charles Konyango highlighted key development initiatives in housing and urban planning, and explained the development policies put in place. Calling upon a unified collaboration for the development of Kisumu county.
CECM Dr Charles Konyango
“So we can be able to tell you what plans we have, but these plans we can only achieve if we work it together with you” stressed Dr. Konyango.
Education also took center stage, with Chief Officer of Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services, Bovince Ochieng’, representing the Education docket, announcing that each ward will soon host a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution.
The county also pledged to hire 100 qualified ECDE teachers and implement inclusive policies for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Chief Officer Bovince Ochieng
“We have already had a budgetary allocation to absorb an additional 100 teachers, to ensure that our learners are well taken care of by adequate and qualified teachers” said Mr Ochieng’
Water crisis in Kibuye and complaints from other areas for not getting connected to water, Waste management and sewer connection issues across Kisumu were candidly addressed by Director of Water Mr. Owino Morris, standing in for CECM for the Department of Water, Environment,Natural Resources and Climate Change, Judith Oluoch.
Director Owino Morris
“Every citizen has a right to clean and safe water and of the concerns raised we’ll work on them as quickly as possible” Mr Owino said
“We have a newly purchased garbage collection truck which will be operational in a few days time and the issue of waste will be in the past” he added.
Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Nindo, outlined the procedures for organizing public participation forums and shared updates on the ongoing repeal of the Public Participation Act in the County Assembly.
He highlighted key information channels, such as county social media pages, the website, and ward admin offices and called on the county residents to stay informed and attend forums, emphasizing that their views are crucial to the county’s development agenda.
Director Wilson Nindo
“I’ll continue urging you all to come for public participation, your trust and views are key in accomplishing the growth of our county” he said.
In a unified message, the CECMs reaffirmed their commitment to an open-door policy and encouraged residents to directly engage county offices for assistance.
With members also taking time to applaud the county governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o for his relentless development projects and service delivery in the county.
KARA CEO Mr. Henry Ochieng’
Concluding the forum, KARA CEO Mr. Henry Ochieng’ and HSF’s CPA Victoria Wambua pledged continued collaboration with Kisumu County to foster a life of dignity for all residents.
This forum marks a pivotal moment in advancing participatory governance and enhancing transparency between the people and their leaders. Kisumu County sets a compelling example of civic engagement worth replicating nationwide.
