By Alloys Musyoka
Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has urged residents to actively participate in the county’s development planning process, saying meaningful public participation is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.
Speaking during the County Annual Development Plan public participation forums held at Samburu and Taru Social Halls in Kinango Sub-County, Governor Achani said residents must be involved in identifying and prioritising projects that address their most pressing needs.
“Public participation is very important because it gives our people an opportunity to tell us what they need and what should be prioritised in their communities,” Governor Achani said.
She said the county government would continue strengthening mechanisms that allow residents to contribute to the planning and implementation of development programmes.
Governor Achani also called for the formation and strengthening of women and youth companies to enable them to secure business opportunities with the Kwale County Government and other government departments.
“We want our women and youth to organise themselves into companies so that they can participate in tenders and trade with the county government and other state departments,” she said.
The governor said the initiative would create employment opportunities, promote entrepreneurship and ensure that local residents benefit directly from public expenditure.
She further noted that Kwale County has been ranked fourth nationally in development performance, with 44 percent of the county budget allocated to development projects.
“Kwale is now ranked number four nationally in matters of development, and we have allocated 44 percent of our budget to development. This demonstrates our commitment to improving the lives of our people,” Achani said.
Governor Achani also expressed her appreciation to President William Ruto for his commitment to the construction of the proposed Samburu Level 4 Hospital, saying the facility would significantly improve access to healthcare services for residents of Kinango and surrounding areas.
“We thank His Excellency President William Ruto for promising to construct Samburu Level 4 Hospital. This will be a major milestone in improving healthcare services for our people,” she said.
The forums provided residents of Samburu, Taru and surrounding areas with an opportunity to present their views, identify priority projects and contribute to the county’s development agenda for the coming financial period.
Governor Achani reiterated that the county government would continue working closely with residents to ensure that development projects reflect the needs and aspirations of the people of Kwale.
