Kajiado County residents have been urged to embrace public participation forums to enhance accountability and transparency in governance.
Planning PS Torome Saitoti noted that it was the Constitutional right for every Kenyan to participate in public engagement forums to ensure that their voice is heard.
Speaking in Kajiado town Monday, during the launch of the County Consultation Forum for the Fourth Medium Term Plan (2023-2027) of Kenya Vision 2030, Saitoti noted that it was the responsibility of residents to prioritize their development needs by voicing them.
The PS revealed that this was only possible if all residents attended and contributed during public participation forums.
“It is the constitutional right of every Kenyan to participate in public engagement forums. This is the only way that they are able to prioritize their development needs and ensure that their voice is heard,” he said.
Saitoti revealed that the Consultation Forums which are running concurrently in all the counties have been organized to provide an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to discuss and propose county development priorities that will form the basis for the Fourth MTP policies, programs and projects.
“In line with Constitutional requirements, the Fourth MTP is being prepared through wide consultation through various forums that include: the MTP Sector Working Groups (SWGs); County Consultation Forums and the National Stakeholders Validation Forum that will be held shortly before finalization of Fourth MTP,” he said.
The forums will run from 28th March to 4th April 2022.
Saitoti noted that the fourth MTP (2023-2027) will succeed the Third MTP 2018-2022 whose implementation comes to an end by June, 2023.
The plan will outline policies, programs and projects to be implemented by the government in the period of 2023-2027.
It will implement in the second last phase of Kenya Vision 2030 and set the momentum for transitioning to the next long-term development blueprint.
Under the theme, Accelerating Socio-Economic Transformation to a more Competitive, Inclusive and Resilient economy, MTP 4 seeks to transform the economy to create wealth & employment, reduce poverty and inequality & create a conducive environment for investment.
“The theme adopted by MTP 4 is driven by the need to transform our economy by creating wealth and employment, thus reducing poverty and bettering the lives of Kenyans,” added the PS.
He said the plan will be delivered through 25 MTP sector working groups as structured in the Kenya Vision 2030 pillars and Foundation for National Transformation and called upon Chairpersons of the MTP sector working groups to provide overall guidance in the entire process of formulation of the Fourth MTP.
The Draft MTP 4 is expected to be ready by end of July 2022, after which it will be subjected to a validation and an endorsement process involving the National Steering Committee, the National Stakeholders Forum, the Cabinet, Parliamentary Committees, and a National Stakeholders Validation Forum.
Once validated the MTP will be published and officially launched, and disseminated in all counties.
County Governments will then be expected to develop their own County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) that will be aligned to the Constitution, Kenya Vision 2030, MTP as well as espouse the appropriate Regional and International Development agenda.
Kajiado County Commissioner Wilson Wanyanga who was also present emphasized on the need of the public to engage in public participation forums to ensure that their priorities and expectations are addressed.
“Public participation is key in government planning so as to ensure that the projects implemented by the government are what the public truly needs and will benefit them directly,” said Wanyanga.
By Rop Janet
