NAROK – In an extensive exercise of democratic engagement, hundreds of Narok County residents actively contributed their perspectives in a public participation event to inform the 2024/25 financial year and medium-term budget strategy. Participants emphasized the need for investment in key sectors such as agriculture, trade, culture, and education, with an eye toward improving the standard of living in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, local resident Mike Muntet called for the government to capitalize on the county’s rich agricultural production by constructing wheat, maize, and potato industries. He highlighted the dual benefit of such an initiative, noting that it would not only generate employment for the youth but also ensure profitable returns for local farmers.

In a similar vein, Doris Lemain advocated for the development of educational infrastructure, proposing schools be built no more than 2.5 kilometers apart. Her rationale was focused on combating school dropouts and early marriages by making educational facilities more accessible. Lemain also stressed the importance of renovating roads and bridges leading to schools to facilitate easier and safer access for students.

Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde, who oversaw the participation of the residents, underscored the value of public engagement in governance. He elaborated on the diversity of the attendees, which included representatives from marginalized groups, civil societies, religious leaders, and government departments, reinforcing the ideal that inclusivity is key to effective public involvement.

The forum, conducted by Franklin Macharia of the National Treasury, provided insights into the government’s fiscal policy direction, highlighting a continuous focus on the bottom-up economic transformation agenda for the forthcoming budget. This model is poised to spur economic recovery and inclusive growth, targeting enhanced investments across five pivotal sectors: agriculture transformation, micro and small enterprises, housing and settlement, healthcare, and industries.

Macharia also reflected on the significance of public input in the budgetary process, championing it as a means to foster openness, transparency, and accountability. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of public forums as platforms for clear communication and the orderly exchange of feedback between the government and its stakeholders.