Uasin Gishu CSOs and Governor Bii Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Advocacy and Drive Development
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue fostering collaboration between the county government and Civil Society Organisations
Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii posing a photo with Civil Society Organisations.
Uasin Gishu county Civil Society Network Tuesday held a pivotal closed-door meeting with Governor Jonathan Bii to discuss a range of critical issues, including the formulation of advocacy strategies in the sectors of water, environment, youth, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The meeting sought to explore ways to integrate the advocacy efforts of CSOs into the county’s development framework, aligning their goals with Governor Bii’s ten-pillar agenda for Uasin Gishu’s progress.
Benedine Kipruto, Chairperson of the Uasin Gishu CSOs, highlighted the crucial role that digitization can play in improving the efficiency of county operations and service delivery.
He pointed out that ICT will be essential in advancing Governor Bii’s ten development pillars. “The key component we need is digitization to ease the implementation of programs and frameworks within our county,” Kipruto said during the meeting.
He also emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships, particularly with institutions like The Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), in driving social accountability initiatives.
“With help from TISA, we continue to actualize our goal of ensuring social accountability. We aim to collaborate closely with county departments to implement this project and its associated concepts effectively,” Kipruto added. His statement reflects the ongoing efforts by CSOs to push for transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in areas where public resources are utilized.
Governor Bii, in his remarks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Kenya Kwanza government’s bottom-up economic model. He acknowledged the essential role that CSOs play in ensuring that grassroots development projects are effectively executed. “As a people’s person, I value the contributions of Civil Society Organisations. We are having them come on board with their reports, discussing them thoroughly, and finding a way forward,” Bii noted. He reiterated that his leadership is focused on fostering collaboration between government and civil society to drive meaningful change at the community level.
The governor’s words signal his openness to engaging CSOs as partners in the county’s development, reflecting a broader vision of inclusive governance where local voices are integral to decision-making processes. This approach, he added, ensures that development projects reach those who need them most, particularly in underserved areas across Uasin Gishu.
Sonia Aima , an official representing TISA, underscored the significance of citizen-led actions in promoting transparency and accountability. She called on the county government to support such initiatives, as they enhance public trust and engagement in governance processes. “As an institute for social accountability, we empower society by encouraging social actions in all government processes,” Aima said. She also stressed the need for a collaborative approach between government and civil society, noting that such partnerships lead to greater transparency in both government and private sector activities.
Aima’s emphasis on citizen participation is particularly pertinent in light of the growing demand for more open and accountable governance at both local and national levels. She urged county officials to create more spaces for public engagement and scrutiny of government actions, a sentiment that was well-received by both the governor and the CSOs in attendance.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the ongoing collaboration between CSO networks in Uasin Gishu and their counterparts in Baringo County. Throughout the year, these networks have been working together on several critical documents aimed at addressing corruption within county governments. This partnership has been particularly instrumental in creating frameworks that promote good governance, transparency, and the responsible use of public funds.
The synergy between Uasin Gishu and Baringo CSOs underscores the broader regional effort to combat corruption and foster accountability in local government. By sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies, these organisations have been able to strengthen their advocacy efforts, ensuring that their work has a lasting impact across counties.
Governor Bii expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the CSOs, noting that their input has been valuable in shaping the county’s development agenda. “We need to have the CSOs onboard in all aspects of governance. Their reports and insights help us stay accountable and ensure that projects are being executed efficiently and transparently,” he said.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue fostering collaboration between the county government and Civil Society Organisations. Both parties agreed to work together on projects that address key areas such as environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and the use of technology to streamline public service delivery. As Governor Bii’s administration moves forward with its development agenda, the role of CSOs is expected to remain a critical component in ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and that development initiatives are implemented in a manner that benefits all residents of Uasin Gishu County.
The continued engagement between the county government and CSOs is seen as a promising step toward achieving sustainable development, ensuring accountability, and promoting transparency in governance.
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