The Government has intensified public engagement efforts aimed at promoting inclusive development, strengthening security and gathering public views on key national issues, including the proposed recognition of the Chuka community as a distinct tribe.
Speaking during a public participation forum held at Magumoni in Chuka South Sub-County, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Champion Wachira said the government is committed to ensuring citizens actively participate in decisions that affect their communities.
The forum brought together chiefs, assistant chiefs, area managers and residents to deliberate on development priorities, security and other emerging issues.
Mr Wachira commended residents for turning up in large numbers, saying their participation reflected the community’s commitment to shaping its future.
One of the key issues discussed was the Bill currently before Parliament seeking official recognition of the Chuka community as a distinct tribe.
The DCC noted that the National Government had directed administrators to collect public views to ensure the community’s position is captured through the ongoing public participation process.
He urged residents to freely express their opinions, saying public participation remains a constitutional requirement that enables the government to make informed decisions based on citizens’ views.
On security, Mr Wachira called on residents to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities promptly, noting that public cooperation is essential in safeguarding peace and stability.
He also urged farmers to embrace opportunities under the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly by taking advantage of the subsidised fertiliser programme to increase agricultural productivity, improve food security and boost household incomes.
The DCC said agriculture remains a key pillar of the country’s economic growth and challenged farmers to maximise available government interventions to improve their livelihoods.
Also speaking to the gathering, Agnes Rugendo, Chief Executive Officer of the Agnes Foundation CBO, urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant during the school holidays to ensure children are protected from abuse, exploitation and other social risks.
She emphasised the importance of responsible parenting and encouraged communities to work together in safeguarding children’s welfare.
Ms. Rugendo also called for intensified efforts to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), urging survivors and witnesses to report incidents to the relevant authorities and appealing to communities to reject all forms of violence.
She said community awareness, strong family support systems and collaboration between government agencies and community-based organisations are critical in preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable members of the society.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
