Kitui County residents have praised Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo for organizing the first-ever online public participation forum, allowing residents in the diaspora and those unable to attend physical sessions to give their input on the Kitui County Annual Development Plan (ADP) 2025/2026.
The digital forum, held on Monday, 16th September 2024, from 11 AM to 2 PM, marked a significant milestone in embracing technology to enhance public engagement. This initiative ensured that more residents had a voice in shaping the county’s future development, particularly those who may have otherwise been excluded due to geographical constraints.
During the online session, Andrew Kitavi, one of the participants, expressed his appreciation for the Assembly’s leadership, particularly commending the election of youthful leaders who understand the importance of the digital revolution.
Kitavi emphasized that such forward-thinking leadership is crucial in keeping pace with global trends and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of location, can contribute to county affairs. He urged other leaders to continue embracing technology as a means of inclusivity in decision-making processes.
Speaker Kevin Kinengo, who joined the forum, thanked the participants, particularly the youth, for their active involvement in the discussions. He highlighted the importance of incorporating diverse views in the ADP planning process and encouraged young people to continue participating in governance matters.
“We appreciate the enthusiasm from our youth and the diaspora, and we value their contributions. It is essential to ensure that everyone, especially our youth, remains engaged in shaping the county’s future,” Kinengo stated.
The Committee on Finance and Economic Planning, chaired by Hon. Munyoki Mwinzi, will compile the feedback gathered from both the virtual and physical forums. The committee will prepare a report with recommendations based on the submissions, which will be presented to the Assembly for further deliberation.
This digital engagement is expected to pave the way for more inclusive participation in Kitui County’s governance, reflecting the Assembly’s commitment to utilizing modern tools for more comprehensive public involvement.
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