Скачать или смотреть High-Level Citizen Engagement Forum Held in Kirinyaga County

In a significant move to enhance public engagement and accessibility to government services, Kirinyaga County hosted a high-level Citizen Engagement Forum at Kianwe Primary School in Kirinyaga West Sub-County. The event was designed to foster collaboration between citizens and the government, bringing together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior officials. It was organised by the Mercy Wanjau Foundation in partnership with various national government institutions, under the theme “Celebrating Growth, Honouring Impact.”
The forum brought together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior officials, including Public Health PS Mary Muthoni, Correctional Services PS Dr Salome Muhia, Children Services PS Careen Agengo, Gender PS Ann Wang’ombe, and several chairpersons from government boards and parastatals.
“This was a collaborative effort between the Mercy Wanjau Foundation and the Mount Kenya Caucus, designed to bring government services to the grassroots. We have had a good engagement and we look forward to further engagements,” Ms Wanjau said.
The forum delivered over 25 government services directly to residents. A comprehensive medical camp offered 14 health services. The Attorney General’s office provided legal aid for land disputes and succession issues.
Residents accessed Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) for student placements, National Employment Authority (NEA) support, Inua Jamii cash transfers, bursaries, child protection, and youth mentorship. Citizens were urged to register with the Social Health Authority for government health schemes. Other offerings included affordable housing guidance, NYOTA youth programmes, and sports donations to local teams.
Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eric Mugaa pushed for a shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation for food security. Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira spotlighted the last-mile electricity connectivity programme, noting thousands of households in Kirinyaga and surrounding counties now linked to the national grid.
He revealed Sh440 million allocated for power connections in Kirinyaga, with Sh161 million targeting Ndia Constituency. “The funds... will connect 7,329 new households with power countywide, pushing power coverage significantly up in line with the government’s plan to ensure 100 per cent connectivity,” Wachira said. He urged protecting installations and supporting President Ruto’s second-term bid, dismissing 'Wantam'.
Amos Gatheca, deputy head of Public Service, stressed direct feedback. “These forums give us a chance to know the challenges Kenyans are facing and how they can be resolved because that’s the role of the government,” he said. The Secretary to the Cabinet confirmed the services array.
By delivering services on-site, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development and citizen engagement, bridging gaps in communities like Kirinyaga West.