CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS PLEDGES GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO ENHANCE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

By Nicholas Kigondu  

The government has pledged its commitment to engage the citizenry through various initiatives aimed at enhancing public participation and civic engagement.

Speaking during a meeting with over 1,000 village administrative elders, drawn from Kiambu County, Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said President William Ruto has prioritized public participation and civic engagement through structured and inclusive mechanisms for citizen involvement in governance.

He rallied the village administrators to mobilize communities around the government’s national development agenda by encouraging every child to remain in school, families to seek healthcare, enhance inter-community unity, promote productive farming and turn the national ambition into community progress.

Speaking at the same forum, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the forum presented a platform to engage with the elders, who are at the bottom of the government administration, to better understand the issues that remain at the heart of the citizenry.

While appreciating their recognition by the President, that saw them offered a package that includes a 3,000 shillings monthly stipend, smartphones, training, and Social Health Authority health insurance cover, the village administrators said the gesture has not only emboldened them but also enhanced their commitment to serve their respective communities.

Also present at the forum were Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, his Gender counterpart Anne Wangómbe, NGEC CEO Dr. Purity Ngina, Mt. Kenya leaders caucus Convener Mwangi Wangoro, head at the office of diversity, inclusion and disability rights Isaac Mwaura as well as a host of Directors and board chairs.

Saturday’s meeting, which came just days after President William Ruto formally onboarded over 106,000 village elders into the National Government Administration system, was part of ongoing efforts meant to ensure national policies reach the grassroots.

President Ruto has already launched a national conversation on the National Development Charter, a people-driven, citizen-centred and future-focused undertaking. While launching the conversation, the president said it will provide practical meaning to the promise of Article 43 of the Constitution: Healthcare for every family; adequate housing and sanitation; freedom from hunger; clean and safe water; social security; and education for every child in Kenya.