Kiambu County has stepped up efforts to strengthen community participation in governance through a four-day working session.
The meeting brought together officials from the County Government of Kiambu and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Cluster Six to review and formulate regulations for the implementation of the Kiambu Community and Neighbourhood Association Promotion of Participation and Engagement Act, 2016, as amended in 2024.
It was attended by officers from various county departments, focused on developing regulations that will guide the implementation of the amended law recently passed by the County Assembly of Kiambu.
The amendment seeks to strengthen the involvement of community and neighborhood associations in governance and improve service delivery through structured collaboration and meaningful public participation.
During the session, participants reviewed draft regulations that will establish a framework for the review and approval of memoranda submitted by residents’ associations seeking recognition and collaboration with the county government.
The regulations are also expected to define the responsibilities and levels of engagement among stakeholders involved in governance and community development.
Speaking during the opening of the session, Acting Chief Officer and Director for Lands and Physical Planning Hannah Maranga highlighted the growing importance of community and neighborhood associations in supporting development, strengthening cooperation at the grassroots level and complementing county service delivery efforts.
“Community and Neighborhood Associations provide residents with a platform to actively participate in shaping local policies, safeguarding property values, and advocating for essential resources and services within their communities,” she said.
The session was attended by Deputy Directors Dennis Abuya and Salome Ngigi, Food and Agriculture Organisation representative Josphat Kariuki and officers from departments including Legal Counsel, Administration, Public Health, Roads and Transport, Sports, Climate Change, Land Survey and Valuation, among other sectors.
Participants at the meeting urged the county government to implement clear and inclusive regulations that will strengthen collaboration with residents’ associations and promote effective public participation in governance and service delivery across Kiambu County.
by Elizabeth Nyamotai
