Kilifi, Kenya — In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing public participation in development, the State Department for National Government Coordination convened a high-level stakeholder and citizen engagement forum at Pwani University on Wednesday. The forum, held in Kilifi County, brought together a cross-section of community voices and key government actors to discuss the progress and future of national government priority projects.
The forum, part of a broader public feedback initiative across the coastal region, was officially opened by the Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination, Hon. Ahmed Abdisalan Ibrahim. In his keynote address, PS Abdisalan reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance and people-centered development.
“Citizens are not just recipients of government services—they are co-owners of the programs shaping their future,” he said. “We are here to listen, to learn, and to ensure that the transformative agenda we are pursuing is anchored in the realities and aspirations of our people.”
The engagement forum brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders, including local residents, county security officials, administrative officers, faith-based groups, civil society organizations, media representatives, development partners, Jua Kali artisans, and traditional elders from the Kaya community.
Government Priorities and Citizen Input
PS Abdisalan outlined the national government’s development focus across four core pillars: agriculture, micro and small enterprises, job creation, and foreign exchange enhancement. He revealed that 51 priority projects are currently in various stages of implementation across Kilifi and other counties, and stressed that citizen feedback is pivotal in ensuring these projects are impactful and sustainable.
Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Biwott welcomed the State Department team and praised the initiative as both timely and essential. “We cannot build trust without engagement,” said Biwott. “This forum is a model of how government and citizens should interact—with transparency, synergy, and shared accountability.”
Commissioner Biwott also addressed the issue of integrity within local administration, disclosing that nine chiefs had recently been arrested for various infractions, including negligence and illegal activities. “We are firm on accountability. Public officers must uphold the law and values of service,” he said.
Community Voices Shape the Agenda
During the session, stakeholders raised key concerns and provided insights on ongoing projects. Among the top issues was the delay in compensation for residents affected by the Kilifi–Mtwapa Road project. PS Abdisalan assured participants that inter-agency consultations were underway to resolve the matter.
The forum also spotlighted key infrastructure developments in the region, including:
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Galana Kulalu Bridge – Now 20% complete, set to improve access and enhance food security.
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Watamu Market and Matatu Stage, Malindi Fish Market, and Kilifi Fish Landing Site – Enhancing local trade and blue economy prospects.
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Kilifi South Utalii College – Opening in September to support hospitality training.
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Irrigation schemes along the Sabaki River and cotton farming in Magarini – Boosting agriculture and livelihoods.
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County Aggregation and Industrial Park – Entering Phase Two of implementation.
Digital Hubs and Youth Empowerment
A recurring concern was the limited digital connectivity across many of Kilifi’s wards. Youth representatives called on the government to accelerate the establishment of fully equipped digital hubs that include internet access, computers, digital training programs, and business incubation services.
“We cannot speak of inclusion if our young people are left behind in the digital space,” one participant emphasized.
PS Abdisalan confirmed that digital transformation remains a key priority under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and Kilifi would be among the counties prioritized in the next rollout phase of digital infrastructure development.
Environmental Stewardship and Security Integration
The Principal Secretary commended Kilifi’s participation in the national tree-planting initiative, reporting that over 33 million trees have been planted in both gazetted and ungazetted areas, including Arabuko Sokoke Forest and coastal mangroves.
In line with the government’s integrated development approach, PS Abdisalan announced that police posts would be established within new Affordable Housing estates to improve residents’ safety. “Decent living goes hand in hand with security,” he said.
A Call for Continued Engagement
Concluding the forum, PS Abdisalan emphasized that the journey to transformative development must be shared by both government and citizens. “We must walk this journey together—from project inception to execution. That is the only way to ensure real, lasting impact.”
The forum closed with a strong call for institutionalized follow-up mechanisms and regular citizen engagement as the government scales up implementation of development projects across Kilifi County.
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