Devolved governments were to bring services closer to the common mwananchi. Many residents of Kisii County don’t know who is heading what and where to get what. The taxpayers/voters also want to understand how their money is utilized.
Parents and students thirsting for education in Kisii technical institutions are uncertain of where to get financial aid. The people are lacking knowledge of the progress of development projects initiated by the county government.
I’ll not be surprised to find a resident who doesn’t know the location of county offices. The questions still linger.
Who is supposed to fulfil the right of these people to information as enshrined in the constitution? With forums such as the Kisii county website and social media, one may say the county is doing well in informing the people.
However, any rational thinker can fathom that the mechanisms in place have done little to bridge the information gap. Students and local people maybe not at a position to utilize these digital forums.
The media may try to bridge the information gap, but on its own, it cannot absolutely meet the information demand. The people need a means of getting to know who for instance, who heads the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The people must be informed about who is in charge of various ministries and departments and how to reach them. The youth have a right to knowledge on opportunities available for them in the county government.
The people living with disabilities need to know the thoughts of their leaders towards them. We don't need to wait for a public outcry to create these channels. There's a need for leadership and public participation forums in Kisii County is urgent.
The channels must be created with consideration to the social and economic gaps among the people.