Written by Nancy Naholi
Residents of Nakuru City play a critical role in the decision-making processes of the City’s development agenda.
This is in keeping with H.E. Governor Susan Kihika’s manifesto of creating a sustainable and inclusive city that provides equal opportunities and improves the quality of life for all residents.
Today, the City management through joint efforts with the Kenya Alliance of Residents Association(KARA) and Hanns Seidel Foundation engaged Residents of Nakuru City in participatory.
The forum aimed at establishing a roadmap to the development and actualization of the City Vision 2050.
The draft legal framework captures H.E Governor Kihika’s six-point urban agenda that demonstrates huge potential in driving the growth and development of the City forward.
They include urban mobility, blue and urban economy, urban spaces, urban waste management and basic utility services, urban data and affordable housing.
It was noted that the document will be subjected to extensive public participation that will commence at Ward levels in consultation with all stakeholders.
The stakeholders include local leadership, faith-based organisations, youth groups, community-based organisations, business communities, and individuals among others.
During the engagement, Mr Macharia Thang’wa, the City Planner, emphasized the significance of citizen participation in the planning and implementation of development projects.
He challenged residents to take ownership of the City Vision 2050 once approved and work towards making it a reality.
Citizens embraced the document noting that it would significantly address challenges experienced in the City and its urban centres.
Kenya Alliance of Residents Association and Hanns Seidel Foundation lauded the Governor for her commitment to citizen participation and urged residents to voice their opinions and ideas on the City’s development plan.
The forum is a significant step towards achieving sustainable development through the localization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals to enhance the quality of life for residents of Nakuru City.
Also present in the forum were senior stakeholders from Nakuplan Consultant Limited and Kenya Institute of Planners.