By Peter Ochieng
Kisumu governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o on Tuesday lauded Huduma Mashinani, terming it a game changer in as far as public participation is concerned.
Nyong’o ssid the innovative citizen driven dialogue forum birthed 10 months ago, has been key in shaping onversation with the people of Kisumu County.
“In June last year, the County CECM for Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development, Ms Judith Oluoch came to my office with a proposal. I went through the concept and gave my instant approval. It was a great idea whose time had come. We had finally found a formula to enhance service delivery by promoting dialogue and getting honest feed back from the people,” Nyong’o said during a Huduma Mashinani event at the Tom Mboya Labour College.
He said by 22nd June, 2023, they had held Huduma Mashinani meetings in all the 7 Subcounties of Kisumu, and the feed back was overwhelmingly exciting.
The highlight was senior government officials attending to answer questions from an enthusiastic wananchi, with loads of memoranda being received from the audience.
Issues raised by the people during the forums ranged from delayed projects, stalled ones and alleged bias in allocation of funds for development in certain wards, while in other areas, the county government received accolades for a job well done.
“I salute the Civil Society Organizations in the County for supporting this initiative. They have been with us since June 5 last year when we held our first Huduma Forum in Muhoroni,” added the county boss.
“We must not forget that the effective path of growth and development is to track implementation and engage the population through sensitization of government plans and agenda,” he added.
Nyong’o said feedback from the people is key in helping them at the County in among other things, develop new policies and review existing ones where necessary.
He announced that preparations for the next cycle of Huduma Mashinani begins immediately, directing the Department of Public Service, County Administration and Participatory Development to start engaging stake holders.
