Kikuyu sub-county residents have been urged to embrace public participation forums that have been rolled out to ensure that the members of public are fully involved in development issues.
Speaking during a fundraising for the construction of House of Faith church in Kikuyu town on Saturday, Kikuyu Township Member of County Assembly Binary Wainaina said public participation is their constitutional right thus there was need for them to embrace it fully.
Wainaina said majority of the residents have a tendency of not participating in public participation forums especially on issues that touch directly on public funds and other development issues that require their opinions.
“It is very disappointing when we do not avail ourselves in meetings on financial bills and the budget yet when bills are passed we are the first ones to complain," he said.
Wainaina said public participation not only shows a vision of democracy, transparency and accountability but also caters for the protection of the minority.
He also said for the county to develop and achieve the 15 per cent development mark that the county government has set to achieve this year, everyone has to participate fully, adding it is not a one man’s show.
“Development touches directly on the members of the public. Let us not sit back and watch but give our opinions and hold our leaders responsible for sustainable developments," he said.