By YOANA KIMWELE
Residents of Kitui County were on Saturday given an opportunity to directly engage their leaders during the Utep̄eni Programme public forum hosted by Radio Citizen at the Kitui Multipurpose Hall. The live programme brought together county officials, national leaders, and residents to discuss development priorities and service delivery across the county.
The county government delegation represented Julius Malombe and was led by Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele. During the session, officials responded to questions from wananchi on several sectors including agriculture, health services, education, water supply, trade, and infrastructure development.
Speaking during the forum, Dr. Kimwele said the county administration remains committed to listening to residents and ensuring their concerns guide development planning. He noted that public engagement forums are important in strengthening transparency and accountability in governance.
The programme, hosted by presenters Fred Ng’etich and Christine Ojiambo, provided residents with an open platform to raise issues affecting their communities. Participants were able to seek clarification, air grievances, and offer suggestions on how the county government can improve service delivery.
Among the key concerns raised by residents were the need for increased agricultural support for farmers, improved access to clean and safe water, availability of drugs in health facilities, and expansion of market infrastructure to support traders.
Residents also called for stronger regulation of sand harvesting activities, improved security along the Tana River boundary, better employment opportunities for the youth, and enhanced safety measures for bodaboda operators operating across the county.
In response, county officials outlined several initiatives currently being implemented by the county government to address the concerns raised. These include the recruitment of 88 agricultural extension officers to strengthen farmer support services and improve agricultural productivity.
Officials also revealed that the county is repairing tractors that will soon be distributed to support mechanized farming, while construction of dams, water pans, and sand dams is ongoing across several wards to enhance water harvesting and storage.
The leaders further highlighted plans to complete the stalled Kithomboani Modern Market project and expand Kalundu Market in order to improve trading infrastructure and stimulate local economic growth within the county.
Security concerns raised by residents were addressed by representatives from the Office of the County Commissioner, with Assistant County Commissioner Koinary Saidimu assuring the public that government agencies are strengthening policing efforts and implementing measures to enhance safety along the Tana River boundary and other vulnerable areas.
