By Flora Awinja
Women and minority groups in Ramisi, Kwale County have expressed their displeasure on how development projects are implemented by the County government.
During an evaluation meeting of the first and second County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), the groups said funds meant for development projects were not properly used.
In the meeting, residents were sensitized on how to actively participate in the 2023-2027 CIDP public participation in a bid to ensure they put across projects they would want to be implemented in their ward.
Mwalimu Ali from Muslim Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP) said the sensitization is meant to close the gap where marginalized people are left out in decision-making.
The meeting culminated with an actively participated memorandum that highlighted the proposed projects the women of Ramisi ward would like to see implemented in their ward and Msambweni Sub-county at large in the third CIDP.
Ali said the meeting is to sensitize and inform the public before the government seeks their engagement.
“As MWARP we wanted to inform the community and assist them to document the proposed developments to be done before the public participation proper,” he said.
Mariam Kassim Dago said that they are sometimes denied access and sidelined during public participation since the county officials fear criticism.
Tuwalinde Wajane founder Mwanasha Gaserego said all groups need to be actively involved when development projects are being planned.
“The only prescription is getting engaged; we shouldn’t relent or give up no matter how many times we are denied access to public gatherings,” She noted.
Hamadi Ali Mwambodze said the development plan needs to also focus on the talents of the youth by supporting them in their groups.
“Talent and vocational training centres need to be improved and more funding to be done,” he said.
