Various ward representatives from Kibra Constituency on Friday failed to turn up for a public debate aimed at assessing the progress of devolution at the grassroots.
Members of county assembly (MCA) did not attend the forum dubbed Kibra Multi-Ward Public Debate and organised by Forum 43 Kenya. Some of them send representatives while others gave it a wide berth.
Representatives from community based groups across the five wards; Lindi, Makina, Sarang’ombe, Nyayo-Highrise and Laini Saba attended.
Also in attendance were Langata sub-county Assistant commissioner Hesbon Kayesi, chairman of Makina Ward Development committee, George Ambunya, Orange Democratic Movement chairman Kibra Constituency, Ochieng Jera and representatives of some MCAs.
Majority of the participants faulted the MCAs for failing to turn up for the forum that was held at AIC Training Centre in Kibera.
Various concerns were directed to the leaders present on matters pertaining to development, accountability, security and the position of the public in the budgeting process.
Makina Ward Development committee chair George Ambunya reiterated the importance of citizens’ involvement in the devolution process.
“It is unfortunate that the right leaders who were expected to address these concerns have not showed up for reasons not clear. Anyway, it is upon the electorate to determine the governance in the devolved units. Leaders should be put to task through such kind of forums,” said Ambunya.
Nyayo High-rise MCA Morris Akuk through his Personal Assistant Vivien Vincent expressed delight on the strides made so far in ward development despite there being challenges.
“Although there are challenges, devolution has been a success so far. For instance the bursaries that have ensured that many children get opportunities to go to school.”
On his part, Makina sub-committee Youth Rep Moses Omondi blamed youths for failing to embrace the various development funds provided by the national government to improve their livelihoods.
“Youths are not forming group so as to benefit from Uwezo Fund and other development funds. We should come out as young people and register for these funds so that we don’t keep shouting and complaining.”