FLORA CHIBULE CHAMPIONS ACCOUNTABLE AND PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE IN KILIFI

Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule has reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to strengthening accountable, participatory and responsive governance as the county prepares for the Phase III County Peer Review Mechanism (CPRM) validation process.

The Deputy Governor earlier welcomed the NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat review team led by Chief Executive Officer Amb. Dr Samson Okwiya and panelist Amb. Dr John O. Kakonge, ahead of the two-day validation workshops in Kilifi County.

The team briefed the Deputy Governor on the County Self-Assessment Report, which was developed through focus group discussions and key informant interviews conducted across the county’s wards.

The assessment provides an important opportunity for residents and other stakeholders to examine how governance is being practised at the grassroots and contribute to strengthening the systems through which the county serves its people.

Under the leadership of Governor Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, the county government has welcomed the validation exercise, viewing it as an opportunity to promote transparency, accountability and meaningful public participation.

During the next two days, representatives from all wards are expected to review and validate the findings contained in the County Self-Assessment Report before the final County Review Report is prepared.

The report will subsequently be presented at the **3rd National CPRM Summit scheduled for October 2026**, providing Kilifi with an opportunity to showcase its governance practices while identifying areas that require further improvement.

For Deputy Governor Chibule, the CPRM process goes beyond an assessment exercise. It provides a platform for citizens to participate directly in evaluating governance, ensuring that their experiences, views and priorities form part of the county’s development and governance conversation.

The involvement of representatives from every ward is particularly significant as it ensures that the validation process captures diverse perspectives from across Kilifi County.

The County Government’s participation in the process also reinforces the importance of devolved governance in bringing decision-making closer to the people and ensuring that public institutions remain responsive to citizens.

Through the Department of Devolution, Civic Education and Public Participation, Kilifi is seeking to deepen citizen engagement and strengthen the structures that enable residents to participate meaningfully in county affairs.

The CPRM process therefore offers an opportunity for Kilifi to reflect on its governance journey, celebrate progress and identify practical measures for strengthening service delivery and public accountability.

Chibule’s engagement with the review team demonstrates the county leadership’s willingness to subject its governance systems to independent scrutiny and use the findings to improve how government works for residents.

As Kilifi continues to advance its development agenda, strengthening public participation, accountability and responsiveness will remain essential in ensuring that development is inclusive and that residents have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of their county.