Tharaka Nithi Sets The Pace In Public Participation, Earns Praise From Danish Delegation
Tharaka Nithi County Government Administration Executive Muthini Karangi (left) receiving a copy of Constitution 2010 from Ms Hellen Mudora the Chief Education Manager at Uraia Trust at the county headquarters Kathwana yesterday. Photo/Alex Njeru.
By Alex Njeru
Public participation remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, ensuring that citizens are not only informed but actively involved in shaping decisions that affect their lives.
In a remarkable show of commitment to this principle, Tharaka Nithi County has been recognized for its proactive efforts to institutionalize public engagement and promote transparent leadership.
In a key milestone toward strengthening participatory governance, the Tharaka Nithi County Department of Public Administration and Devolution Affairs, under the stewardship of County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Muthini Karangi and Chief Officer Gibson Gikundi, yesterday hosted a high-level delegation from the Embassy of Denmark.
The visiting team, led by Mr. Joseph Kimani Njuguna, Democratic Governance Program Manager, and Ms. Hellen Mudora, Civic Education Manager at Uraia Trust, engaged the county leadership in a strategic dialogue aimed at deepening democratic practices through collaboration and policy development.
At the heart of the meeting was the ongoing development of a comprehensive Public Participation Policy—an initiative set to transform citizen involvement in governance across the county.
“There is great need for a Public Participation Policy because the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 places it as a key pillar of democratic governance,” stated Mr. Karangi. He emphasized that a structured policy would ensure consistency, inclusivity, and clarity in the way the county engages its citizens.
Mr. Njuguna commended Tharaka Nithi for leading by example. “We are happy to see a county government calling on other stakeholders to help boost openness in its undertakings. This is a good move towards transparency and accountability,” he remarked, lauding the county’s deliberate steps to involve residents in its decision-making processes.
Echoing these sentiments, Ms. Mudora affirmed Uraia Trust’s readiness to partner with the county. “We are committed to working with Tharaka Nithi County, especially in strengthening the Public Participation Policy. Civic education is vital for empowering citizens to engage meaningfully,” she said.
Also in attendance were Ms. Kelly Rwigi, Chief Officer for Gender; Mr. Hillary Mutugi, Director of Administration; Caroline Njue from Grandif Kenya; and Wanjiru Ngure, Uraia Trust’s Tharaka Nithi County Program Coordinator.
The meeting underscored Tharaka Nithi’s progressive stance in democratizing governance by making citizen input central to county planning, budgeting, and service delivery.
As Kenya continues to devolve power and responsibility to the grassroots, Tharaka Nithi stands out as a model for how counties can foster genuine dialogue between government and the governed.
Through such deliberate efforts, the county is not only enhancing public trust but also laying a firm foundation for inclusive development and democratic resilience.
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