Members of the public have been challenged to take an active role in participating in the formulation of government development projects in their respective areas to foster faster growth of the country.
Trade and Enterprise Development Principal Secretary(PS), Ambassador Johnson Weru, observed that it was important for citizens to contribute ideas to the national and county government development agendas in order to be part and parcel of the entire development process.
Speaking in Nanyuki, during the Laikipia County Consultative Forum for Vision 2030’s fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP) 2023-2028, Amb. Weru, stressed the importance of incorporating views, that will inform county and national sector policies, priority projects, and programmes that will spur faster growth.
“Take this opportunity to challenge both the National and County to undertake viable development plans that will spur economic development and thus have a positive impact on the citizens,” Amb. Weru said.
Noting that it was now a constitutional requirement for the government to engage residents in public participation before embarking on any development project, the PS urged those present to exploit the opportunity and come up with viable proposals that shall be incorporated into the MTPs for the next five years.
The PS further challenged devolved units across the country to come up with plans to create linkages with each other to create regional trading blocs that will spur internal wealth generation.
“We have people looking for votes promising development yet they cannot attend such a forum where development proposals in every sector of the economy are being presented. I think it’s high time to evaluate leaders presenting themselves for election. Look for progressive leaders,” the PS advised.
The day-long forum brought together National and County government officials, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) women and youth leaders, and religious organisations among others.
By Martin Munyi
