The government is actively working on bringing its ambitious plan for socio-economic empowerment and inclusive prosperity to life through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
BETA aims to increase investments in five key sectors that are expected to have a significant impact on both the economy and the well-being of households.
These sectors include agricultural transformation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), housing and settlement development, healthcare, the digital superhighway, and the creative industry.
Central to the success of this initiative are the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), who serve as the government’s representatives at the grassroots level.
These officers are often the first point of contact for citizens, and they play a crucial role in maximizing the impact of the government’s targeted investments, ultimately driving socio-economic transformation across the nation.
To ensure the effective execution of the government’s agenda, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration (MINA) is currently reorienting NGAOs throughout the country.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, disclosed in October that the government had launched a retraining program for NGAOs to enhance their capacity to provide efficient, responsive, and effective services to the people of Kenya.
Dr. Omollo emphasized the importance of every interaction with citizens being characterized by timeliness, accurate information, and a genuine understanding of their needs and concerns in their respective areas.
To address issues related to peace, security, and climate change, Dr. Omollo stressed the need to enhance stakeholder engagements at the devolved units and encouraged government officials at the grassroots level to lead regular public participation efforts for National Government projects and programs.
This ensures transparency and accountability in the delivery of public services.
Dr. Omollo also reminded NGAOs of their responsibility to the public, highlighting that it is the citizens’ contributions that fund public services. Therefore, there is a justifiable expectation for quality, timely services, and information.
Currently, NGAOs are actively supporting the National Treasury and playing a critical role in the nationwide public participation forum for the Financial Year 2024/25 and the Medium-Term Budget.
This budget centers around the implementation of the BETA, which aims to protect livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and revitalize businesses.
The ongoing budget hearing process, which began on October 30 and extends through November 6, is designed to promote inclusivity, equity, and local ownership of the country’s development and prosperity.
This marks the first time that National budget preparation hearings are taking place in the counties, expanding beyond the previous practice of conducting them exclusively in Nairobi.
NGAOs are instrumental in this process as they inform the public about priority programs and projects in various government sectors, fostering greater citizen engagement.
Their role in advancing the government’s agenda is crucial, and their efforts are instrumental in realizing the vision of a prosperous and empowered Kenya.
Through public participation, citizens are being informed about priority programs and projects in various government sectors and the justifications for their funding.
The FY 2024/25 and Medium-Term Budget also places a strong emphasis on completing ongoing and viable stalled projects, allowing the public to evaluate these projects and assess the progress achieved through previous budgetary allocations and actual expenditures.
So far, 17 counties have conducted public participation, involving various stakeholders such as the elderly, youth, women, persons with disabilities, state, and non-state actors.
This inclusive exercise is ongoing, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and considered in the budgetary process.
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