Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reiterated the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to receiving and considering constructive criticism aimed at improving its governance. Speaking at the AIPCA Central-Western Archdiocese Headquarters in Sagana during a Sunday worship and thanksgiving service, Kindiki highlighted the government’s openness to feedback from the public, civil society, and religious organizations.
“We welcome the views and opinions on ways of improving various government policies and programmes, and ideas on how to accelerate the economic transformation of our motherland,” Kindiki remarked. His sentiments echo the administration’s growing recognition of the value of collaborative governance.
The service, led by Archbishop Frederick Wang’ombe and the Council of Bishops, drew numerous national and county leaders, including Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja, Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Murimi Muteti, and Members of Parliament George Kariuki (Ndia), Gichimu Githinji (Gichugu), Elijah Njoroge ‘Kururia’ (Gatundu North), and Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni).
Acknowledging Human Fallibility
Kindiki acknowledged that, as governments are led by humans, mistakes are inevitable. However, he emphasized the importance of accepting feedback to address these errors and ensure the government remains responsive to citizens’ needs.
“Several projects are ongoing and are at different stages of implementation,” the DP said. “Where we have problems, just like the President said yesterday, concerns raised by the Church, civil societies, and other people, we shall listen.”
He dismissed any perception of hostility between the government and the Church, affirming the administration’s willingness to engage constructively with religious groups, which play a pivotal role in advocating for ethical governance and societal well-being.
“The government is not in conflict or at war with the Church for asking that certain issues that do not sit well with the people be addressed,” Kindiki clarified.
Unity as a Pillar of Progress
Kindiki underscored the need for national unity as the cornerstone of Kenya’s socio-economic development. “National unity is the bedrock of our shared prosperity,” he stated. “We have a collective responsibility to defend and protect the unity and indivisibility of our country.”
The DP expressed optimism that by fostering inclusivity and leveraging diverse perspectives, the government could build a stable and prosperous nation. He urged Kenyans to actively participate in dialogues and decision-making processes to ensure the collective vision of economic transformation is realized.
Agriculture at the Forefront
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja, who also addressed the gathering, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to revitalizing the agriculture sector. He emphasized the role of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and supporting farmers in adopting modern techniques to boost productivity.
Karanja encouraged rural communities to harness available resources and embrace sustainable farming practices to improve their livelihoods. “Modern farming techniques and access to innovation are key to enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security,” he noted.
Collaborative Governance
The service concluded with prayers for peace, prosperity, and unity, highlighting the government’s aspiration to foster a society that values accountability and inclusivity.
Kindiki’s remarks come at a time when citizens are increasingly vocal about policy shortcomings, from economic challenges to governance gaps. His invitation for feedback reflects an acknowledgment of the crucial role public opinion plays in shaping effective policies.
As Kenya navigates its developmental journey, the government’s openness to constructive criticism could pave the way for more transparent and accountable governance. By collaborating with all sectors of society, Kenya Kwanza aims to create a framework for sustainable economic growth and improved service delivery.
The event at Sagana reinforced a message of collective responsibility, emphasizing the importance of unity and dialogue in building a resilient and prosperous nation. As Kindiki affirmed, “We are open to receiving opinions on how to better our service delivery so that citizens benefit more and we build a better country that is safe and stable.”
