Senior government officers from the Mount Kenya region have launched a new initiative to sensitize and engage local residents on ongoing and planned projects by the state.
The caucus, dubbed Jamii Imarisha Mashinani, brings together officials from the executive and state-owned agencies to directly engage residents on development priorities, governance coordination, and collaborative strategies aimed at accelerating regional and national growth.
Speaking during the launch at Kiru Boys Secondary School in Murang’a County, principal secretaries and directors drawn from various parastatal organizations assured residents that all ongoing government projects in the region will be completed within the stipulated time to benefit the public.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the forums will provide a platform for dialogue between the government officers and the people, ensuring that obstacles to project completion are addressed and priorities properly identified.
“The government is doing a lot in terms of development and that’s why we have launched this initiative, to make our people aware of what is being done for their welfare and also identify what is hindering implementation of various programmes,” said Mwaura.
He added that the initiative would also counter misinformation, noting that some individuals have been spreading falsehoods about government projects.
“We want wananchi to get first-hand information from us, not through propaganda or politics. This is the only way to build trust and transparency,” he emphasized.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has faced criticism from some quarters, insisting that the programme is functional and already transforming lives.
“SHA is working and has helped a lot of people despite the criticism that it is not. I urge Kenyans not to politicize government initiatives that are meant to help them,” Muthoni said.
She added that under the Primary Health Program, patients are not supposed to pay for outpatient services at level 3 facilities and below, in line with government directives.
The PS added that under the primary health care scheme, Sh21 billion has been allocated to settle bills for outpatient services in level 3 and below health facilities in the current fiscal year.
She also noted that under the Community Health Promoters (CHP) program, the government is establishing a digital register through the Electronic Community Health Information System (e-CHIS), which enables CHPs to capture household data in real time, link families to nearby health facilities, and improve accountability in service delivery.
On his part, Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi appealed to the youth to focus on personal development and avoid being distracted by unnecessary political noises.
“The government has invested heavily in initiatives like Nyota and the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), which are designed to nurture talent, equip young people with skills, and open up opportunities for self-reliance. I call on our youth to embrace these programs and use them to transform their lives,” Mwangi urged.
Mwangi further emphasized that the youth are central to the government’s long-term development agenda, urging them to take advantage of the skills and sports empowerment initiatives being rolled out across the country.
Anthony Mwaura, Chairman of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), assured residents of the government’s commitment to completing major infrastructure projects in the region.
He cited the Mau Mau Road, which connects Kiambu to Nyeri, saying the project is already 60 percent complete and will be finalized by June next year.
“The road is a vital lifeline for this region. We are changing the contractor to speed up work, and by December this year, Mau Mau Road will be completed. This will improve connectivity and boost economic activities for our people,” Mwaura stated.
He added that the Mau Mau Road, once completed, will significantly open up the agricultural highlands of Mount Kenya, enabling farmers to transport produce more easily to markets.
According to the convener of the event Wangoro Mwangi, the Jamii Imarisha Mashinani initiative will be rolled out across other counties in the Mount Kenya region, creating forums where citizens can directly engage with government officers, ask questions, and give feedback on priority areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
Wangoro said the exercise will not only improve accountability but also ensure government projects are demand-driven and responsive to the real needs of the people.
By Bernard Munyao and Catherine Kamunyo
