Kilifi Deputy Governor Opens National Forum on Active Citizenship and Inclusive Volunteering

 The Deputy Governor of the Kilifi County Government, Her Excellency Flora Mbetsa Chibule, today officially opened the National Knowledge Sharing Forum on Active Citizenship Through Inclusive Volunteering and Empowerment in Kenya.

The forum, implemented by Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO) in collaboration with key partners, brought together stakeholders from across sectors to deliberate on strengthening citizen engagement and advancing inclusive development.

In her keynote address, Deputy Governor Chibule underscored the critical role of active citizenship in fostering sustainable development and empowering communities to take charge of their future.

“It is through inclusive volunteering and active citizen participation that we unlock the true potential of our communities. This forum serves as a powerful platform to exchange ideas, inspire innovation, and build partnerships that create lasting impact,” she said.

The Deputy Governor highlighted the strong partnership between the Kilifi County Government and VSO, noting significant progress achieved across vital sectors including health, youth-led initiatives, climate action, education, and community participation.

She commended the collaborative efforts of county departments, including the Kilifi Department of Health and Sanitation Services and the Kilifi Department of Gender, Culture and Social Services, for their continued commitment to promoting equity, dignity, and social inclusion.

Participants at the forum engaged in knowledge exchange sessions, showcasing innovative approaches to volunteerism and community empowerment. The discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening sustainable partnerships and scaling up initiatives that place citizens at the centre of development processes.

The involvement of youth was also a key highlight, with programmes such as VSO Youth Volunteering demonstrating the transformative power of young people in driving social change and development at the grassroots level.

Deputy Governor Chibule reiterated the county’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower citizens and foster inclusive growth.

“As a county, we remain dedicated to creating an enabling environment where every individual has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. Together, we are building resilient communities and advancing a more inclusive and equitable future for all,” she affirmed.

The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, enhance knowledge sharing, and promote active citizenship as a cornerstone of sustainable development in Kenya.