By Shaban Omar
More than 50 residents of Mlungunipa in Kwale County have undergone training on leadership and community development.
The exercise, organized by the Muslims Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP), brought together grassroots leaders, youth, women, and residents to discuss various challenges affecting their area and explore possible solutions.
MWARP County Coordinator Mwalimu Ali said the forum aimed at building the capacity of residents to hold leaders accountable and actively participate in driving the local development agenda.
“The public participation and civic engagement forum is meant to empower communities to challenge their leaders on promises made and their achievements. We want people to understand that development begins with them,” he said.
Ali added that when citizens are informed about their rights and responsibilities, they become powerful agents of change capable of influencing policies that affect their lives.
He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in decision-making, saying that local development projects can only succeed if residents are directly involved in planning and implementation.
“For a long time, people have been left out of decision-making processes. We are changing that narrative by ensuring every voice counts especially that of women and youth,” Ali noted.
Gombato/Bongwe MCA Tumaini Mwachaunga praised the initiative, saying it plays a crucial role in strengthening accountability and transparency among local leaders.
Mwachaunga said such forums create a platform where both leaders and citizens can openly discuss development priorities and understand their distinct roles in achieving community progress.
“This kind of training is very important because it helps bring out the accountability aspect in leadership. When residents understand their responsibilities and leaders are reminded of theirs, development becomes a shared goal,” he said.
He added that civic education bridges the gap between the electorate and their representatives, fostering trust and cooperation in the pursuit of sustainable growth.
“Development is not the work of leaders alone. It requires collaboration, openness, and continuous dialogue between the people and those in power,” Mwachaunga noted.
He urged organizations such as MWARP to continue holding similar engagements in other wards across Kwale County to promote inclusivity and empower more residents to take part in decision-making.
Participants who attended the forum said the session was an eye-opener, as it helped them understand how to engage government officials constructively and demand transparency.
One of the residents, Halima Kwekwe said the training gave her confidence to speak up on issues affecting her community.
“We have learned how to question our leaders respectfully and follow up on the promises they make. Before, we thought only politicians could speak, but now we know we have the right to demand action,” she said.
Another participant, Ali Salim, called for more such training across the county, noting that awareness at the grassroots level is key to curbing corruption and improving service delivery.
