National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) and state officers entrusted with the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) programmes have been directed to sensitise the citizenry on the policies to realize desired results.
Speaking at Horizon Resort in Kapenguria during a Training of Trainers (ToTs), West Pokot County Commissioner David Saruni said economic transformation depends a lot on empowerment of the residents at the grassroot levels; hence, government officials should cascade such policies to the targeted recipients.
He said the government was doing a lot to empower its citizens but the impact was not trickling as envisaged due to lack of adequate information to inspire the desired transformation at the community level.
“The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda has prioritized productivity over dependency, enterprise over entitlement, and inclusion over exclusion, an approach that reflects the foresight and conviction of President William Ruto,” stated the CC.
He regretted that that BETA policy was met with scepticism and, in some quarters, outright doubt but as implementation progresses, its logic and effectiveness are increasingly becoming evident; hence, the need for more visible communication channels to clear the doubts.
He said the success of BETA depends on effective coordination and disciplined implementation, of which the NGAO officers are at the heart of this effort.
He asked the NGAOs to ensure that policies, programmes, and projects reach the grassroots through effective monitoring and evaluation so that government interventions are understood, owned, and protected by the people.
“Every officer represented here has a responsibility to ensure that BETA projects are supported, secured, and delivered efficiently. This forum is not merely informative; it is a call to collective accountability and shared ownership of the transformation agenda,” he emphasised.
He told the officers to play their role in sensitising members of the public on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda for its success, noting that every action they take, every challenge they resolve, and every decision they make must contribute to its success.
The CC singled out agriculture, MSMEs, affordable housing, the digital and creative economy as BETA key pillars that will drive inclusive growth of the country, as well as transform livelihoods from the bottom up, to ensure that growth is broad-based, resilient, and people-centred.
Saruni at the same time noted that the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) will provide West Pokot residents with dignified and decent houses, as well as opportunities to improve their livelihoods noting that the region has so much untapped potential.
He announced that grassroots engagements will be conducted from next week calling on the Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs) to ensure adequate sensitisation is done.
By Richard Muhambe
