OCTOBER—DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE
Centers of medical excellence launched in Kiambu
You shall all have better roads — Governor William Kabogo declares
First training of a kind in Africa held in Kiambu County
Ahead of the rest…
KIAMBU WINS BID TO HOST KICOSCA, CASA GAMES In a highly contested bid to host the fourth edition of the annual Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association, and County Assemblies Sports Association (KICOSCA/CASA) Games held from 14th – 21st August, 2016, the County Government of Kiambu was awarded the bid owing to its proved capacity.
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FREE WIFI FOR ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS SOLOMON IRUNGU
Kiambu County residents are set to benefit from free WiFi in the next coming weeks. This is after Kiambu Governor William Kabogo launched the free internet in partnership with Liquid Telekom Kenya. The WiFi will be piloted in four major towns and will gradually be rolled out in the other towns in the wake of next year. The first installations will be at Thika, Ruiru, Kiambu and Kikuyu sub-counties while the rest of the sub-counties, Limuru, Kabete Lari, Gatundu South, Gatundu North, Githunguri, Kiambaa and Juja will be connected in the second phase. The high capacity WiFi network will cover a 5km radius from the Central Business Districts of each of the...
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Kiambu County staff in practice in Thika ahead of the KICCOSCA, CASA games
MODERN MARKETS IN KIKUYU, GITHURAI ESTHER KIHANYA
The department of Trade, Tourism, have been prepared. The construction Industries and Cooperatives Developworks are set to commence early next ment in the County Government of year. Kiambu is in the process of upgrading all “We are targeting to work on all the the major markets in the county. major markets before 2017,” Kiambu Among the markets set to be upgraded Deputy Governor Gerald Githinji has to modern standards are the Githurai said, “our focus is to ensure that trade is and Kikuyu markets. Funds have already done in an environment favoring both... been set aside and architectural plans Continued on page 5
A model of the new modern market in Kikuyu
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 2]
KIAMBU SOCCER DEVELOPMENT TARGETS LADIES
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kiambu Startlets now in second position in the Kenya Division One League
K
iambu County Government has
should be ready for use by mid-next year,”
become the first county government to fully sponsor a ladies’ soccer team that is now playing in the Kenya Division One League.
Waikenda has said. Kiambu County Government is also planning to start a talent development programme where young talent will be nurtured to maturity.
Kiambu Starlets is a soccer team comprising ladies from all the 12 sub-counties in the county. They were selected after competitive trials held in Thika Stadium after talent scouting from all the 60 wards. The County Government then took it upon the mandate of the department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication to sponsor this team that has continued to excel over its last one year of its inception.
Kiambu All Stars men football team that is playing in the Kenya Division Two League is also another team that is fully supported by the county government. Kiambu Starlets ahead of a league match
devotion of all the stakeholders in the team is very motivating. “I am very glad because all our supporters including the technical team The team’s technical director Mr. John Njogu and the government have never let us down,” has said that it is on its right track of talent de- she says, “we are hoping to play in the velopment among ladies. “We thank the government of Governor William Kabogo because of all the teams we play with, Kiambu Starlets is the only one that is sponsored by a government,” he said. Over the last eight months, the team has won one trophy, the Maisha National League. It continues to perform well in the Division One League where it has only lost one match. The Kenya Division One League is the second league after the Kenya Premier League (KPL). The first two teams in the Division One are promoted into the KPL while the last two are demoted into the regional league.
national premier league from next year.” The department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication County Executive Member Hon. Machel Waikenda says that the department is doing all it can to ensure that all sporting activities in the county, and not just football, are promoted.
The team is currently in third position among the 16 teams in that league. The team participated in the Kenya GoTV tournament where they managed to reach the round of eight (quarter finals) from the round of 64 teams that were playing. The county has pledged to continue supporting local talent in areas of ball games, athletics and other special games about to be introduced including rowing and canoeing, fencing and skating.
“We are finalizing on our One Field Per Ward Project where we are rehabilitating at least one playing field in every ward. This will go a long way into providing better facilities for different kinds of sports.
The team currently has 25 ladies and a fully fledged technical bench. The ladies are
“We are currently rehabilitating Ruiru and Limuru stadia to match national standards so that we can as well host multiple national leagues in a day. Phase one of each of the sta-
committed on a full time basis to the league.
dia is almost being completed.
Teresia Kabubi from Juja Sub-county is the captain of the team. She says that the holistic
“Our sports offices and an amphitheater at Kirigiti Stadium are also progressing well and
Kiambu Starlets technical director poses with the Maisha League gold trophy
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Editor in Chief: Solomon Irungu Photography: Samuel Ndung’u, Joseph Mathenge, Contributors: Duncan Ojijo, Marion Kanari, Duncan Ojijo Kellen Njoroge, Peter Arakawa, Esther Kihanya, Editor: Peter Arakawa Caroline Wanjeri, Kelvin Kimaru, Martin Githiomi, Content Analysts: Marie Mugo, Mukami Kamau Grace Mbugua, Maureen Nyokabi Design & Layout: Solomon Irungu For opinions, articles contributions or advertisements, contact our editor in chief at kiambumonitor@gmail.com or call +254725961921
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 3]
KIAMBU COUNTY HOSTS 2016 KICOSCA
A
DUNCAN OJIJO TINDI
Kiambu County CECM presents to the Governor one of the trophies won by the County during the KICOSCA games fter placing and winning the hosting bid for the Kenya inter-county sports and cultural association and county assemblies sports association (KICOSCA/CASA) games, Kiambu County finalized on the preparation of the games which took place in Thika from the 14th to 21st of august, with the venues, security, accommodation and other logistics having already been taken care of. These games that were started in 2012 in Nairobi County bring together county government staff from all the 47 Counties. This year Kiambu County received about 20,000 workers and fans, who mingled together while exchanging ideas of how to make and serve their counties better. In the process, promotion of national integration and cohesion was fostered.
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This year the games that were featured were ajua, darts, table tennis, athletics, football, netball, tug of war (men and women), volley ball, badminton, pool, squash, basketball, set piece and traditional dance, borrowed songs and cultural dance.
Some of those games took place at the newly rehabilitated Thika Stadium while Thika High School, Gretsa University, St. Lukes Cravers Hotel, Chania High, Chania Girls, Thika Technical and Thika Community Hall hosted the rest of the games.
at Thika Social Hall in mid-July. The function of this committee was to ensure that the games run smoothly and that technical issues like venue selection, making game fixtures, accommodation, awards and finances were well organized.
The business fraternity was among the highest beneficiaries as it netted huge profits that in turn lead to the economic growth due to the influx of participants and fans.
When this committee first visited Kiambu County to inspect the various proposed venues that would host the games earlier in the year, it gave its recommendations to be followed for “Kiambu County is ready to host the KICOSCA the provision of standard playing fields. On and CASA 2016 games,” this are words from their second visit they were satisfied of the Kiambu County Secretary Fredrick M. Kitema progress and gave Kiambu County the go as he assured the KICOSCA and CASA National ahead to host the games and commended Governing Committee, of Kiambu County Gov- Kiambu County Government for the work. ernment’s commitment in hosting the games. In attendance during the National Governing
The business fraternity was among the highest beneficiaries... He said this during the closing ceremony of a one week organizing meeting that took place
Committee closing ceremony meeting was Marie Mugo Chief officer department of youth affairs, sports and communication, Anne Gichohi Chief officer department of Education, Engineer Lucas Wahinya Chief officer department of roads, Dr. Samwel Otieno Chief officer department of trade, director of youth affairs Stanly Chege and director of finance George Haya.
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 4]
FREE WIFI IN KIAMBU SET TO START WORKING IN DECEMBER
SOLOMON IRUNGU
Continued from page 1 county’s four largest towns, with a capacity of 10 Megabytes per second (Mbps). The launch of the free WiFi in Kiambu County is a major boost to the development of the county. It forms part of the underpinnings of the Kenya Vision 2030 Blueprint whose main objective is to help transform Kenya into a newly industrializing middle-income economy. Science, technology and innovation has been pegged in the blueprint as one of the foundations under the social pillar. In line with the Jubilee Govt’s manifesto of fostering ICT in the country, all pupils joining primary school are now receiving laptops and tablets as the government aims to introduce e-learning at an early age. This is to mean that by the time these pupils complete secondary school, it will be year 2030. Kenya will thus have a generation of fully digitized youth, creative in areas of research, science, technology and innovation. Kiambu County Governor William Kabogo has explained that the WiFi hotspots will help county residents get access to the information required for services such as applications for business permits among others. “The WiFi initiative is driven by the county’s mission to better use technology to improve service delivery for all Kiambu County residents,” he said. The high capacity WiFi network will cover a 5km radius from the Central Business Districts of each of the county’s four largest towns, with a capacity of 10 Megabytes per second (Mbps). Governor Kabogo said the delivery of free street WiFi zones in Kiambu will enable rapid access to information vital for economic and
educational development in the county. Kiambu County ICT Director Douglas Njiraini said the Kiambu WiFi connection will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase being installations in Thika, Kikuyu, Ruiru and Kiambu towns.
the Ruiru Sub-county Hospital and bus stop; in Kiambu town, near Kiambu Hospital; and in Kikuyu; at the Sub-county offices, main stage, market and at Alliance Bus Stop to serve the main Kikuyu Mission Hospital, two universities, one college and 15 schools.
“It is not just people in hospitals who will have access to this internet, but businesses and offices around the point of connections will also benefit. These locations were chosen because they have the highest number of human traffic, highest concentration of busi-
The rest of the county’s remaining subcounties, Limuru, Kabete Lari, Gatundu South, Gatundu North, Githunguri, Kiambaa, and Juja, will be connected in the second phase.
nesses and offices, and thus they are expected to have the most impact,” he said.
through the Digitika Portal,” Njiraini has said.
The first of the new WiFi installations will be at Thika bus stop and the Level 5 Hospital; at
“The aim of this project is to encourage innovation and bring services closer to the people Read more on: http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/ business/2016/07/kiambu-launches-free-wifi4-towns/
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 5]
BETTER PLACES TO CONDUCT TRADE
ESTHER KIHANYA
Continued on page 1 the buyer and the seller.” The division of markets is under the county department of Trade, Tourism, Industries and Cooperatives Development which is led by the deputy governor. It is charged with the responsibility of establishing markets within the county, facilitating refurbishment and rehabilitation and renovation of existing markets within the County with an aim to increasing market opportunities and access by sellers and buyers of county products and services. The division is charged with the responsibility of establishing strategies of creating market linkages with other stakeholders to ensure the county’s products and services access various markets. It ensures that there is established in the county a viable and established distribution and warehousing facilities in the county.
State of Kiambu County markets before devolution
Undertaking renovations and/or rehabilitation to work more thus the output is even higher.” of markets within the County; Ensuring the In Ruiru for example, the department has put markets comply with the Public Health policies up shades in both the Gitothua and Biashara and regulations among other duties. Wards. The wards are adjacent to each other. The markets division is also charged with the The entire department is also workresponsibility of assisting the director in-charge ing to ensure that there is at least The entire department is of the division to identify and negotiate with a one project in every village from view to establishing partnerships for investors either the trade, tourism, industries also working to ensure that there to invest in markets within the County. or cooperatives divisions. Overall, is at least one project in every this will ensure that the entire Currently, the county through that division has village from either ... managed to negotiate with the World Bank for county has at least 180 projects from the same department. This the construction of the Githurai and Kikuyu initiative is called the One Village One Project The riders thus get to utilize more than one of modern markets. (OVOP). these shades in the course of their work in a Other markets that are set to be constructed day. It is one of the flagship projects of Governor to modern standards in this partnership between the County Government of Kiambu and William Kabogo through the department. The The markets division is currently working on project means that each village will at least the construction of the Wangige Eggshed, the World Bank include Madaraka Market in have a market, boda Githunguri Wholesale and Retail Market and boda shade, industry or the Dagoretti Modern Wholesale and Retail tourist attraction site. Market. Minor works in markets are currently
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“The OVOP is our minimum target of achievements, we want to achieve more than that by a very wide margin,” Dr. Samuel Otieno the Chief in charge of the department says. The Chef Officer explains that for boda boda sheds, they Model of the Githurai Market to be constructed in Ruiru have already erected at least two in each of the 12 sub-counties. Thika, Kihara Market in Kiambaa, Kikuyu and Boniface Kageni, one of the boda boda Juja markets and Kangangi Market in Kiambu. riders in Ruiru Sub-county, appreciates the Other responsibilities of the markets division include the formulation, coordination and the
effort put by the department of trade in erecting the boda boda shades. “Before these
implementation of the County Trade and Markets Policy; Facilitation of development of market standards within the county in collaboration with the relevant institutions;
shades we were subjected to harsh weather conditions of rain, strong wind and scorching sun,” he says, “the shades have come in handy because we are even more energized
ongoing in Ngoliba Market and Gatundu South Modern Market. Markets earmarked for development are the Limuru, Soko Mjinga, Gatong’ora and Gikambura. The department boasts of several complete projects and has won accolades especially in areas of trade and industries development. These include leading other counties and putting Kiambu County Government on top.
A happy trader at the new Karuri Market
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 6]
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 7]
BRING BACK OUR LAND
D
KELVIN KIMARU
A child during a peaceful demonstration against grabbing of their customary land. /Courtesy
isputes over the right of land use between land users and other organizations or persons in connection with the appropriation or withdrawal of land from the users, with the system of land management, and with the exercising of other functions of disposal and control of the land, is referred to as land dispute, or territorial disputes.
that there are no discrepancies whatsoever. This committee has competent and qualified personnel from diverse professionals: Surveyors, valuers, just to name a few, who look into these matters.
Resolution of boundaries and land ownership issues, formalization of land cases that had been approved by former local authorities and investigating irregularly allocated public land is These tend to slow development of a certain among their mandate. They later forward their area or place as investors keep at bay. Invest- recommendation to the National Land Commising is by no means a simple process. There are countless considerations that must be paid, and infinite jeopardies along the way. That is why investors take a back seat where these tussles and disputes are numerous.
sion. Land grabbing that had raged on for years in the wake of urbanization and rapid expansion of the real estate sector in the county will now be a long gone case, as loopholes leading to illegal transactions, allocations and ownership will be fully sealed. As they say, widespread land disputes are a threat to the economy but Kiambu County which has a stable economy will continue growing because strategies have been put in place.
No one would want to lose a dime to fraudsters at any chance but many have fallen in that trap especially when it comes to matters land. The County Government of Kiambu has set up a committee which looks into matters of these caliber. It advises and takes action where necessary to make sure that justice is served and Kiambu Planners during a review session of land policies in the county
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 8]
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MEDICAL REFERRAL AND TOURISM CENTERS IN KIAMBU COUNTY
PETER ARAKAWA
he devolved governments have taken off in earnest and each county has a story of growth and transformation that needs to be told. Kiambu County is among those counties enjoying the fruits of devolution through trickle-down benefits to the residents in terms of accessibility of healthcare services. A large number of the Kiambu County residents feel that devolution has contributed positively to their well-being. The County Government through the department of Health Services has endeavored to equip all the Level IV facilities with modern medical machines to aid in laser-sharp precision of diagnosis of patients. To this end, the department has fitted the new ICU Ward at Thika Level V Hospital with six ICU and three High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds and will have monitoring, resuscitation and support equipment for critically injured or very sick patients requiring intensive care and close monitoring. The ICU beds include supporting equipment such as monitors for assessing patients’ well being, defibrillators for resuscitation and ventilators for helping pa-
The New ICU facility at Thika Level IV Hospital
dent casualties and women with pregnancy organ failure. complications such as severe bleeding and high This is a major milestone in Kiambu County, as blood pressure. the department now boasts of having two ICU People who have undergone major surgeries Wards (Gatundu and Thika) and two HDU such as heart operations, for close monitoring Wards (Kiambu and Thika) to serve the genin case they develop complications are also set eral public, while at the same time surmountThe ICU Services will be of great significance to benefit. ing the various challenges associated with the to the residents of Kiambu as these will ease referral cases to Kenyatta National Hospital. The ICU Unit will also be relied upon by people ICU sector such as lack of basic medical supClose proximity to the people will lessen finan- with severe health ailments such as cardiovas- plies, deficit of essential drugs and shortage of specialized ICU physician. cial burdens and is also beneficial to road acci- cular diseases and also those with multiple The three-bed HDU wing will come in handy for people who need more intensive observation, treatment and nursing care than is possible in a general ward but slightly less than that in the ICU.
The new equipment for the ICU facility in the County
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 9]
High dependency unit commissioned by Governor William Kabogo
MEDICAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN KIAMBU COUNTY
PETER ARAKAWA
The County Government of Kiambu through the line department of Health Services is determined to deliver on its Healthcare promise to the residents of Kiambu County by bringing critical medical services closer to the people. The department has undertaken major monumental infrastructural projects that target to bridge the gap in bed capacity across the county with the surging population. This is in line with its strategic plan where it intends to increase the bed capacity in Kiambu County from the current 900 to 3,000. The Major Projects are: Reproductive Health Unit Construction of a state-of-the-art-reproductive Unit at Thika Level IV Hospital is 80% complete. The Unit shall endeavor to serve the broad clientele-base and attend to an additional constituents from Nairobi, Murang’a, Machakos and other far-flung counties hence ensuring that the sanctity of life is preserved. Upon completion, the unit is expected to have a capacity of 275 in-patients which will be a Wangige Level 4 Hospital great stride in Healthcare provision and redouThe new 200 bed capacity block at the former ble the county’s efforts in reduction of MaterWangige Health Centre will be a major boost in nal, Child health morbidity and mortality. healthcare provision to the densely populated Tigoni Level 4 Hospital areas of Kabete and Kiambaa Sub-counties. The new 150 bed capacity block will be the Center of Excellence for Pediatrics. Lari Level 4 Hospital The new 200 bed capacity block will be the Center of Excellence for Trauma patients. Kikuyu Level 4 Hospital
The department of Health Services is in the final phase of rolling-out Centers of Medical Excellence in strategically-positioned Subcounties spread out across the expansive Kiambu County that will cater for every resident within and outside the periphery.
The Centers of Excellence will be the hallmark The new 200 bed capacity block will offer both of patient-centric service delivery in the facilibasic and specialized medical care services. ties and the renewed commitment to offering
Ongoing construction of Thika Level IV Hospital quality healthcare services to Kiambu residents by the County Government. The Centers will be tasked with management of Noncommunicable diseases, Reproductive health, Trauma, Pediatrics and other specialized services. For Non-communicable diseases especially Cancer, Diabetes and Hypertension the Center will be opened soon in Gatundu Level IV Hospital whilst a Kidney Research Center will be opened in Ruiru Level IV Hospital to combat the new upsurge of Kidney-related complications in the country and also compliment the seven-bed Renal Unit at Thika Level V Hospital.
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 10]
FIRST TRAINING OF A KIND IN AFRICA HELD IN KIAMBU
DUNCAN OJIJO
Israel on how to operate businesses profitably. During the training the students were subjected to practical learning where they had to apply what they had learnt in class for one hour in Thika town, as businessmen and women. On this test they were able to raise Ksh. 16,500 profit which they used to buy shoes that they gave out as charity to Thika Rescue Centre, an institution that rehabilitates street children. While offering the certificates to the graduands, H.E Deputy Governor Gerald Githinji urged the newly recruited Trainer of Trainers to use the knowledge they acquired to empower youths in Kiambu County and to also guide them to the right direction as they take up business venture.
A presentation by trainers from Israel to a group of youth from Kiambu County
Ki
ambu Biashara Fund training and capacity building for Trainers of Trainers workshop was officially launched by the department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication CEC Machel Waikenda with an objective of offering technical skills and advice in business planning. It is a one of a kind training that also aims at providing young entrepreneurs and potential trainers with guidance and support to generate viable and creative ideas to start and develop new businesses.
During this 10 day training that took place on 27th June to 1st July and 4th to 8th July this year 60 trainees graduated and were awarded certificates of completion in a closing ceremony presided over by H.E Deputy Governor Gerald Githinji. The participants also signed an agreement that they will in turn train other youths in Kiambu County when called for.
He also encouraged the business community and sponsors to jump aboard and help facilitate projects by the youth as this is going to empower the youths in a way that will reduce crime in the community, as most studies depict that some of the top reasons for increased crime are joblessness and idleness. The department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication also confirmed that the department under the leadership of H.E Governor William Kabogo will ensure that youth empowerment and job creation through such initiatives are steered on and that the department will be partnering with the Israeli embassy to offer such workshops across Kiambu County.
This workshop brought together selected youths from Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria This training was organized by the department where they exchanged ideas and were offered in partnership with MASHAV (Israel’s Agency business tips by business lab experts from for International Development Cooperation), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Jerusalem, The Golda Meir MASHAV Carmel International Training Centre (MCTC) and UN Habitat.
Present during the event was Israel’s Ambassador Amb. Yahel Vilan, the director UN Habitat Prof. Oyebanji Oyeyinka and his team, Chief Officer Marie Mugo, Biashara Fund Chair Alan Mumbai and Biashara Fund manager John Gitau.
Training Partners
Trainees from Kiambu County present their business ideas through models learnt from the training
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 11]
E
CONTROL OF DUMPING OF SOLID WASTE
WAMBUI NJOROGE
very day you throw away food wrappers, drinking cups, food waste, utensils or napkins into the trash can. You don't think about that waste again. On trash pickup day in your neighbourhood, you push your can out to the curb, and workers dump the contents into a big truck and haul it away. You do not have to think about that waste again, either. But maybe you have wondered, as you watch the trash truck pull away, just where that garbage ends up. Well, since devolution, Kiambu County Government through the department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources (WENR) has been mandated in ensuring that Kiambu County is clean and green. Since then, rehabilitation of dumpsites has been done and now the county has three major dumpsites that is; Kiambu, Kang’oki Governor William Kabogo leads a team in commissioning the Kang’oki Dumpsite Project and Limuru, where all the trash collected is groundwater, will be kept dry and will not be taken to. So now you know where your trash Semi-aerobic landfill is a technology adopted from Fukuoka. From the very beginning, the in contact with air. Under these conditions, goes after it’s picked. existing disposal site had been used for the trash will not decompose much. But wait! There is more. Kiambu County is the crude dumping of solid wastes. All types of Step-by-step improvement measures have ONLY County that has a semi-aerobic landfill solid wastes were haphazardly disposed all been taken in the open dump to make it conthat is Kang’oki Dumpsite. over the site. A large amount of leachate ooz- trolled and sanitary by adopting simple and Kang’oki Dumpsite in Thika Sub-county is the ing out from the waste mixed with storm walocally available materials, technical guidelines, ONLY semi-aerobic landfill in East Africa. A ter made the site aesthetically very displeasing and construction techniques. landfill is a site for the disposal of waste mate- and environmentally unsound. The Landfill is in its final stages and has lots of rials by burial. Upgrading a crude dump site Landfill mining, involving the excavation, benefits apart from collecting waste: It will into a sanitary landfill is a very challenging screening and separation of material from create and has already created employment task. Kiambu County Government in partnerlandfills into various components including soil, for youths within Kiambu County. ship with the Swedish government to rehabilirecyclable materials and residues. This isolatate Kang’oki Dyumpsite into a semi-aerobic The gases given off by the landfill site could be tion is accomplished with a bottom liner and landfill. collected and used for heating and lastly the daily covering of soil. site could be re-landscaped and built on once With every one dollar that the Swedish GovThe purpose of a landfill is to bury the trash in it has been filled. ernment donated Kiambu county Government such a way that it will be isolated from equally contributed three times more. Let us keep keep Kiambu clean and green.
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That the County of Government of Kiambu offers interest-free Biashara Fund loans to both individuals and groups for business start-ups or boosting? Individuals are eligible to KES 100,000 while groups can get as much as KES 500,000 with a long repayment period. is the amount of money paid by traders in Kiambu County markets as trading fee. This is the least amount of money paid by traders in any urban setting in Kenya. Under the directive of Governor William Kabogo, all street hawkers do not pay anything for their trade as long as they sell their merchandise in an orderly manner and leave their premises clean. That the Kiambu County Governor William Kabogo is coming up with a project to support traders who deal with small market enterprise commodities. The Governor will loan, at no interest, half of the amount needed by the trader. To begin with, mali mali traders will get KES 2,500 for every KES 2,500 that they have and will be linked to cheap places to get their merchandise as well as be allowed to access markets at no tax from the County Government. The county through the department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources since 2013 has increased water availability to Kiambu County households from 25% before devolution to the current 53%. Is the amount of money that the Kiambu County Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Enterprise Development Fund (Kiambu Biashara Fund) has already distributed to success applicants from all the 60 wards. That the County Government of Kiambu does not charge any fee for rabies vaccination? This is in line with the commitment of the department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries to eliminate the disease that affects dogs and is transferred to human beings through a dog bite. That since it’s inception, the County under the leadership of Governor William Kabogo has established a fully fledged administrative structure. The structure is what composes the government; it has 12 sub-counties each led by a sub-county administrator, and 60 wards each led by a ward administrator. These administrators represent the work of the governor at their respective administrative units. That more than 3,500 farmers have been trained on agronomic practices of subsistence and commercial crops and livestock management?
the county.
Number of farmers trained on tissue culture banana and sweet potatoes production. These farmers are drawn from all the sub-counties in
That more than 3,000 farmers have been trained on commercial rabbit rearing. Kiambu County is also the leading county in Kenya in commercial rabbit meat production. Farmers supply the rabbit meat to supermarkets, hotels among other areas.
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GAMBLING MAKES KIAMBU COUNTY RICHER BETTING CONTROL AND LICENSING DIRECTORATE MADE KIAMBU COUNTY GOVERNMENT KSH 728,750 RICHER. Kiambu County Betting Control and Licensing directorate collected KSH 728,750 during the 2015/2016 financial year. The directorate is mandated to licensing of pool tables, daily supervision of casino gaming activities, presiding over prize competition in the county, curbing illegal gambling and protection of the vulnerable and underage from gambling. The directorate is anticipating making more for the County Government especially after they implement mobile licensing approach. This process will see more people getting licenses for their gaming and gambling businesses.
MARTIN GITHIOMI
According to the officer in charge, Esther Muli, this approach will be effective especially
In April and May 2016, Kiambu County Government and The National Government
during the peak season (July-December). This is the period where many people acquire licenses for their businesses.
agreed on a crackdown to hunt small mini gaming machines that had flooded in the county.
The officers in the directorate play a very important role of sensitizing people on the importance of acquiring a license for gaming business.
Owners of these machines were operating without licenses. The County Government and the National Government are devising on a way forward so as to stop the spread of these illegal gaming machines in Kiambu County.
They also highlight to them the advantages of complying with the set laws under the Betting Act like operating without interferences. Some people turn licensed pool table premises into illegal gambling dens by playing card games and dices. These people are not covered by the previous license. In such a case, the officers for the county refer them to betting control and licensing board national office to get a funfair permit so as to be allowed to continue with the business.
The directorate also protects the vulnerable and underage from getting into gaming and betting premises. To this effect they discourage open air gaming and gambling because this might attract the vulnerable and underage into gambling activities. Kiambu County Betting Control and Licensing Board anticipates fetching more for the county in 2016/2017 financial year compared to the year that has ended.
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TALENT DEVELOPMENT CENTERS TO BE LAUNCHED IN KIAMBU
DUNCAN OJIJO TINDI
he department of youth affairs, sports and communica-
to, drawings, paintings, mosaic and collage. Sports shall comprise activities such as, but not limited to football, boxing, martial arts, cricket, volleyball, netball and athletics.
tion is in the process of starting a Talent Development Program. The program has been designed to identify, train, mentor and promote talent of young adults and youth in the county. It aims to reach out to A previous talent development program potential sports enthusiasts who reside national and international levels. The program within the County from the ward level, build has also been tailor made to comprise creative capacity through continuous training, particiarts, sports for all and performing arts. pation in county competitions and exposure to Creative arts shall comprise of but not limited
KIAMBU COUNTY TOPS IN REVENUE COLLECTION
K
iambu County is the second county with the highest revenue collection among the 47 counties and the first in Central region of Kenya in the 2015-2016 financial years. Under the leadership of H.E William Kabogo, the department of Finance and Economic Planning has put in place various measures aimed at increasing locally generated revenues. Some of the measures include integrating ICT in financial management systems by installing an automated receipting and business intelligence system. The department has also been able to consolidate the legacy system LAIFOMS from eight former local authorities into one central system thereby establishing a single trustworthy source of information with the ability to track all revenue collection on real time basis. The department has established of a self-help group where citizens can log in and request for services from the county and effect payments online. Moreover, the department supports different modes of payment including MPESA, Airtel money, Visa and MasterCard and has elimi-
nated all forms of manual payments with all other departments adopting the IFMIS and eprocurement systems with a view to further minimizing tampering and fraud that is usually endemic in procurement processes. The department is working towards issuing a majority of the residents of Kiambu with the Visa-enabled Kiambu County Dijitika Card which will be used for various fee payments to the County Government as well as other platforms. As one of its major accomplishments, the department has achieved double revenues as from 2013 to date with revenue collection of Ksh 1.1 Billion as at May 2014 and Ksh. 2.3 Billion in May 2016.
―...working towards issuing a majority of the residents with the Visa…‖ This represents a 109% increase in local rev-
Performing arts shall include but not limited to poetry, choir, instrumentals, deejay, rap, spoken word and dance. Training shall be conducted twice every week at identified talents development centers in every subcounty. Talent development remains a core objective of the department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication.
CAROLINE MWANGI enue collection and is expected to keep growing during this and subsequent years. “More revenue translates to better services, better roads, better hospitals and better facilities for all the residents of Kiambu,” says Chief Finance Officer, Kiambu County. As part of the county’s strategic direction to increase county revenue collection, the department hopes to revise fees, rates and levies as well as reduce revenue leakages and seal any loopholes that maybe present. The county also hopes to broaden the fees, rates and levies base in addition to adopting appropriate technology in revenue collection. The department is further working towards enhancing capacity of the revenue collectors as well as sensitizing the public on fees, rates and levies compliance. A major revenue administrative reform program that will see to it that property rates being collected by Kenya Revenue Authority which will help the county realize its revenue potential is being worked on. This will enhance our service delivery capacity to the residents.
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 15]
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KIAMBU COUNTY RESIDENTS MUST hanks to His Excellency Governor
William Kabogo and his noble leadership, Kiambu County residents can and have been able to enjoy the benefits of Kiambu Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities Enterprise Development Fund alias Kiambu Biashara Fund.
ANONYMOUS
mercial chicken rearing, boda boda among other assets.
Indicators show that women were the highest number of applicants and beneficiaries as well. Note, the youth Once he declared this initiative as one of his from the pie chart flagship projects, it immediately clicked on my alongside also include mind as a brilliant idea for the benefit of the women. There has been highest number of Kiambu residents. This has a laxity in the youth also been a project unique to Kiambu County and persons with disaGovernment but borrowing a lot from similar bilities applying for the national projects: Youth Enterprise Developfund while at the same ment Fund, Women Enterprise Development time, they need this Fund, Uwezo Fund and the defunct Kazi Kwa money for starting up Vijana Fund. or expanding their busiMade me even wonder, with such gusto at the nesses. commencement of his gubernatorial tenure, what if Kabogo was the president?
What is the fundamental cause of this sloth in applying for the fund?
Kiambu County residents must embrace the Biashara Fund.
Kiambu Biashara Fund should thus embark on a massive campaign sensitizing the public on the fund.
Department of YASC
procedures? How long does one take to access
the fund after the application and how long is the repayment period? Are there any success But my concern today is, is the Kiambu Biasha- A lady from Lari was heard lamenting that she stories, and if yes, where are they? Who are ra Fund meeting its objectives? Has it benefit- can not apply for the fund because in case she the current beneficiaries and where are they? ted people as anticipated? Is the public emdefaulted, her property would be auctioned. I am sure we must have all seen, heard or bracing it as required, and why? This is untrue. watched those
My curiosity drove me to the department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication (YASC) to gather facts about the fund. Statistics indicate that over 200,000,000 shillings has been distributed so far, with the disbursement of the funds still ongoing. Over 1,000 individuals have benefitted from capital supply, hundreds of groups getting the same and hundreds of other groups and individuals getting water tanks, chicken for com-
fake lotteries that promise people to win millions of money after spending just some little money. Many people have fallen for them, even in the internet. Yet, for What is Biashara Fund? What does it entail? Biashara Fund which is a genuine programme What does it fund and what are the interest rates; Could there be any other charges? What that has close to half a billion amount of shillings, people are yet to fall for it, as would be products does it/does it not finance? Is it a expected. grant? What are the application and vetting Biashara Fund should thus engage in heavy publicity using mainstream means and other forms of communication that the County Government of Kiambu has adopted like the distribution of public notices to public places. Television, radio and newspapers should be highly recommended to proliferate Biashara Fund advertisements. It should not just rely on outreaches. All the aforementioned questions should be answered through these channels. The public expects to have all these answered to clear any existing misconceptions. That said, the public needs to embrace this fund as one of their own. The best thing with
Biashara Fund officials going for a funded project inspection. /File Photo
a loan is taking it early enough: so that it works for you in time and you get to repay back well in time. Think about Biashara Fund, won’t you?
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 16]
COMPENDIUM SEGMENT
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OUR CORRESPONDENTS
ithoito Muiri Project is a project the County Government of Kiambu through the Department of Agriculture, Live-
stock and Fisheries has helped renovate. The county assisted in rebuilding the collapsed temporary intake weir. This has benefited 110 farmers who use it to irrigate their farms as well as daily running of their households thus creating employment, promoting food sustainability and creating wealth. Agriculture in Kiambu is therefore more than a part of life. It is a passion, a lifestyle and a resilient community that works hard to feed the world. The department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries remains committed to empowering the lives of the highest number of households before 2017. MAUREEN NYOKABI
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iambu County Government planners, engineers, land surveyors/GIS officers, valuers, public health officers, development control officers, fire safety officers and ICT/communication officers underwent an intensive one-week training towards the implementation of the eDAMS (Electronic Development Applications Management System). This training aimed to create the back-end capacity of county technical officers to receive, invoice, process and approve development applications on an on-line platform. Before the launch of the eDAMS in November 2016, the front-end users (Registered Planners, Architects and Engineers) will receive virtual training manuals and user instructions to lodge development applications through this platform. eDAMS will significantly reduce the time taken to process and approve development applications and ensure sufficient monitoring and enforcement to comply with the relevant building environment statutes. This is a World Bank supported initiative under the Kenya Investment Climate Programe II that aims to bring legal and regulatory reforms including ICT/automation and capacity building. KELVIN KIMARU
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orty (40) fire fighters, paramedics and fire fighting volunteers from the County Government of Kiambu last week graduated after an intensive three weeks training conducted by trainers from the Polish Center for International Aid in Poland. The fire and rescue officers underwent an advanced training on fire fighting, poisonous gas rescue and paramedics emergency services. They are now ready to handle any fire and emergency cases. Did you know that Kiambu County Government currently has seven high capacity fire engines? In addition the Government has eight firefighting landrovers and three rescue vans. The six fire stations across the county operate on a 24/7 clock system. Joseph, a professional fire fighter based at the Ruiru Fire Station admits to have assisted put off over eighty (80) fires in the last one year. “Most of the time it is very dangerous because of the perils involved while fighting these fires,” he says, “but with zeal and these kinds of training we are able to manage.” ENG. SAMMY ONYANGO
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overnor William Kabogo attending a high level meeting in Global Partnership for Social protection so as to achieve the SDGs at the United Nations Headquarters during the 71st session of the General Assembly. H.E William Kabogo was the only governor in Kenya accompanying the deputy president H.E William Ruto. After the delegation, Kiambu Governor Kabogo told the press meeting them at the airport that besides the main agenda of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), together with the deputy president they were able to have sittings with several heads of states seeking partnerships to develop not only the county, but also the country at large. TONY KAMWARO
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 17]
Ki
ambu County First Lady H.E Philomena Kabogo has been crowned as the Kiambu County Beyond Zero Ambassador by the First Lady Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta. This means that the County Government will continue supporting this Initiative activities which seeks to reduce maternal related deaths. Since the inception of the initiative by H.E Margaret Kenyatta, it has transformed maternal and infant health care by improving pre-natal health care, reducing infant mortality and offering post-birth care. Kiambu County First Lady Her Excellency Philomena Kabogo has assured the county that she will continue supporting this cause that has earned international recognition. Speaking while attending the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters, H.E Governor William Kabogo congratulated Kiambu First Lady for the noble appointment and assured everyone of his government’s continued support to the holistic healthcare. LUCIE MURIITHI
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he Turkish government has donated reproductive health equipment to Kiambu Level-4 Hospital. Turkish ambassador to Kenya Deniz Eke presented the paediatric medical equipment. She said Turkey is working with hospitals and health institutions to improve their conditions. Eke said they also provide scholarships for Kenyans every year. While receiving the maternal health equipment, the CECM in charge of the health department Dr. Manjari Mwangi thanked the Turkish government for their continued support. “This is not the first time that the County Government of Kiambu has worked with the Turkish Government, and we appreciate every single support that they have offered,” he said. “We remain committed as a government to promote health care.” “We are in the process of establishing a 275-bed reproductive center of excellence at Thika Level IV hospital,” he added. JOSIAH KHATILI
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nternational Coffee Day took place on October 01, 2016. In Kiambu, this was celebrated at Fairview Estate in Kiambu County. International Coffee Day is an annual event observed in a handful of countries for the celebration and enjoyment of the popular beverage coffee. This day is also used to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness for the plight of the coffee growers. The chief guest was H.E Deputy Governor Gerald Githinji accompanied by Agriculture CECM Dr. Monicah Waiganjo. Coffee is a drink made from the seeds or berries of the coffee plant. As a beverage, it has been enjoyed by people around the world for many centuries. Historians believe that coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia but was cultivated on a large scale and traded for the first time by the Arabs. Coffee brings friends together. Set up coffee dates with your friends and spend quality time with them over a cup of coffee. ESTHER KIHANYA #tourism4all #WTD2016 World Tourism Day was celebrated on 27th September to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. As the official day set aside in the United Nations Calendar, the celebration seeks to highlight tourism’s potential to contribute to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing some of the most pressing challenges that the society is faced with today. This year it was celebrated in Kilifi County where Kiambu County was represented by the Tourism Department. The PS for Tourism Mrs.Fatuma Hirsi Mohamed, Kiambu Deputy Governor Gerald Githinji and Deputy Governor for Kilifi County Mwakombo Kamto were in attendance. ESTHER KIHANYA
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 18]
A lady enjoys water from a tank given to her by the Kiambu County Government
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 19]
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KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 20]
BETTER ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE IN KIAMBU COUNTY
MARION KANARI
Inspection of horticultural farming
The New face of Thika Town after the construction of the dual carriage Kenyatta Highway by the County Government of Kiambu department of RTPWU
S
ince the inception of devolution in 2013, the County Government of Kiambu has embarked on massive and transformative transport and infrastructure projects.
social amenities are currently being upgraded department of Roads Transport Public Works to bitumen standards. and Utilities is now opening five connecting The transformation of the agricultural town routes that pass through prisons.
also includes the already installed street lights The infrastructure developments are spread and a flood mast at the market. The constructhroughout the 60 wards of the 12 sub coun- tion of a modern 24 hour fire station is nearing ties. completion. The fire station will have features Key among the major projects is the ongoing to cater for the fire and rescue officers includrehabilitation of Githunguri CBD. The project ing a gym, kitchen and boarding facilities. will see the former town earth roads tar- By April 2017, the traffic menace in Thika will macked and an elaborate drainage system put be a thing of the past with the opening up of in place. several entry and exit roads
All the town's loop roads leading to the mar- Following the successful dualling of Kenyatta ket, bus park, main road, police station and all highway from Gatitu to the roundabout the
The routes (Karatina Road, Harry Thuku Road, Birmingham Road, Tuskys Road and Metro Petrol Station) will allow traffic to exit Thika through prisons at Metro Petrol Station Junction with Garissa road.
RTPWU Chief Officer Eng Lucas Wahinya says that this will ease congestion at Gatitu junction since all vehicles leaving Thika town for Makongeni will use this new exit. Similarly all vehicles entering Thika town from Makongeni will use the new entrance instead of scrambling for space at Gatitu junction. In order to propel development growth and trade in the rural areas, the department of Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities is also rehabilitating rural access roads in all the 60 wards. Currently at least 1KM of road per ward has been upgraded to gravel standards and the department is targeting to rehabilitate 2KMs per ward in the current financial year. This will greatly improve movement of agricultural produce to markets and ease movement. The department intends to continue upgrading roads to bitumen standards. Since taking office, 2,200KMs of road have been graded and maintained, 4560KMs have also been rehabilitated as part of the annual routine maintenance and over 540KMs of new roads in areas such as Lari, Limuru, Juja and Ruiru Sub counties opened up. A total of 3,500KMs of gravel roads is also set to be constructed by 2018.
Tarmacking of Githunguri CBD roads which is now almost complete
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 21]
RTPWU WORKS IN PHOTOS
Before and after images of a bridge in Komothai Ward, Githunguri Sub-county
Ongoing construction of Kenyatta Highway in Thika, passing through the prisons to open up Thika Town and ease congestion. Upon the completion of this road, the Blue Post entrance into Thika has been earmarked for expansion
Inspection of gravelling works by the Chief Officer in charge of RTPWU Eng. Lucas Wahinya (Left). The county through this department has ensured that at least two kilometers of a main access road in every ward has been graveled, totaling to 120 KMs.
The County disaster management team in a rescue drill at Thika Fire Station. The team undertakes several rescue missions all over the county on a 24/7 clock system.
County fire fighting team extinguishing a fire at Loska Technologies in Ruiru. The Total Response Time by Ruiru Fire Station was four minutes.
Installation of part of the Three Mast Lights per Ward project
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 22]
ADVERTISERS GUIDE
Imagine having all your development applications done online. Imagine all inspections and approvals on all your projects online.
The County Government of Kiambu under the patronage of Governor William Kabogo through the department of Lands, Housing and Physical Planning is launching the Electronic Development Application Management System (eDAMS). Once launched, the platform will reduce the time taken to process and approve development applications and ensure sufficient monitoring and enforcement. For more details log www.kiambu.go.ke
NOTE:
Kiambu County is an equal opportunity employer Employees of the county are encouraged to apply Women and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply People from non-dominant ethnic communities are encouraged to apply Any form of canvassing shall lead to immediate disqualification Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
KIAMBU MONITOR—OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016 ISSUE [Pg 23]
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KIAMBU INSPECTIONS OF APPROVED BULDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCTION Members of the public and in particular developers are notified that it is a statutory requirement for all approved buildings to undergo progressive inspections from foundation to final finishes to enable issuance of occupation permit. For quality assurance on these inspections and or enforcement within Kiambu County, the persons whose photos appear below are the authorized Development Control Officers (DCOs).
Ayub Munge
Joseph Chege
Peter Mutuku
Geoffrey Kamau
Adams Odhiambo
George Mutuota
John Njane
Simon Gateru
George Wangong’u
Peter Kiura
Peter Warukira
Charles Nduati
John Mwombe
Charles Murimi
Samuel Maina
While on duty each officer must don official uniform or dust coat with county logo with QR Code embedded on it and an Official ID card with QR Code. Any other person purporting to be a building inspector or Development Control Officer without the above stated identification should be reported to the Sub County office. As your constitutional right please demand to see the identification of any building inspector visiting your site to help us curb irregularities in the sector. For any incidence of corruption or unprofessional practices call us on 0709877880/1/2/3 or email complaints@kiambu.go.ke.
GOVERNOR KABOGO MEET-THEPEOPLE TOUR
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SOLOMON IRUNGU rue to his word, H.E Governor William Kabogo continues with his meet-
the-people tour where residents of Kiambu County continue receiving him with a lot of anticipation. This comes as he plans to interact with residents of all the 60 county wards, listening to their interests as well as informing them the plans that the County Government of Kiambu under his leadership has for the people.
all roads passable and all villages in Kiambu County accessible.
meeting,” he said, “and my main aim as your governor is to ensure that all of you are en-
In addition to these, markets that have been under construction, water projects that the county has been working and hospitals are also being launched by the governor in this tour.
gaged either in businesses or other forms of employment.”
“I will not only work from my office at the headquarters in Kiambu but will continue coming here to meet and interact with you
The meet-the-people tour is happening contemporaneously with the governor’s Hundreds of kilometers are launching of several projects that have also being rehabilitated to fulfill been ongoing since the inception of dethe governor’s pledge ... volution more than three years ago. The governor is also commissioning new projects, while launching new projects,” Governor some which have already been rolled out William Kabogo said during once of his tours while others are ready to kick off. in Gitothua Ward, Ruiru Sub-county.
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Most notable of the launched project is the continuous heavy grading of county roads. The county is now grading new roads to open up new places in all the sub-counties. Hundreds of kilometers are also being rehabilitated to fulfill the governor’s pledge of making
All the governor’s tours have been marked by massive turn out of voters. In one of his tours in Ikinu Ward, Githunguri Sub-county, the governor was received by close to 2,000 ward residents. “I am glad that you have all turned up to this
“Participation to government activities by the public is a key principle of development in every global country. It is a process, not a single event, that consists of a series of activities and actions by the government to both inform the public and obtain input from them. “Participation of the people is recognized in Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya as one of the national values and principles of governance. Article 174(c) provides that the object of devolution is to: “enhance the participation of people in the exercise of the powers of the State and in making decisions affecting them.” “Article 184 (1) (c) also requires that mechanisms for participation by residents should be included in the national legislation relating to urban areas and cities governance and management. The centrality of public participation cannot therefore be over-emphasized.”