GRASSROOTS ECONOMIC DIALOGUES INTERDENOMINATIONAL INITIATIVE OFFICIAL LAUNCH IN BUSIA COUNTY

BY LYNN MUTWIRI

 

The Government of Kenya through the State Department for Economic Planning, on Friday, 22nd May, 2026 officially rolled out the Grassroots Economic Dialogues for Inter-Faith Groups termed “Brethren to Brethren Fellowship” initiative at Busende Secondary School, Busia County.

Dubbed “Gumzo La Uchumi Mashinani“ the initiative is part of the ongoing nationwide public engagement forums aimed at strengthening inclusive and people-centered development.

While officially inaugurating the initiative, The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Hon. FCPA John Mbadi emphasized on the importance of enhancing collaboration between the National Government, County Governments, private sectors and development partners in driving Kenya’s socio-economic transformation.

CS Mbadi noted that prudent public finance management, evidence-based policymaking and citizen participation remain key pillars in advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

"Forums such as Gumzo La Uchumi Mashinani are

therefore important in promoting transparency, accountability and citizen ownership of the National development agenda," CS Mbadi reiterated.

He further highlighted the need to empower the people through strategic investments in Agriculture, Macro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Infrastructure and Digital Innovation to create sustainable livelihoods and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

Recognizing that sustainable economic transformation depends on informed citizen engagement, the Cabinet Secretary said that the programme seeks to simplify economic planning and budgeting processes, making them easier for the ‘Common Mwananchi’ to understand and contribute to.

On his part, the Economic Planning Principal Secretary, Dr. Bonface Makokha noted that Economic Planning remains central to coordinating National development priorities and ensuring effective implementation of Government BETA Pillars.

He emphasized that engaging Religious Leaders is strategic due to their extensive grassroots networks and influence in promoting social values, civic responsibility and National unity.

Consequently, the Busia Chapter Dialogues has promoted inclusivity by ensuring representation from all 35 wards with deliberate consideration for Gender balance and the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The programme is firmly anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) which guarantees public participation in governance and National development planning.

Significantly, aligned with the National Development Agenda, Counties continues to champion citizen-centered and evidence-based decision-making, reinforcing their roles as a key drivers of Kenya's shared growth.

Together, the two Levels of Government will continue building a stronger, more inclusive, resilient and prosperous Nation for present and future generations.