Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has stepped up engagement with grassroots movements, holding talks with representatives of Bunge la Wananchi from several Nairobi areas to address youth-focused national development priorities.
The consultative meeting brought together participants from Jonsaga, Kibra, Westlands, Chokaa, Tena and Jeevanjee, highlighting growing government interest in informal civic forums that have long shaped public discourse at the community level.
Omollo said the discussions centred on the role of young people in advancing Kenya’s development agenda, with a key focus on responsible use of digital platforms.
He noted that online spaces continue to influence public opinion and civic participation, particularly among urban youth.
“Our discussions focused on promoting responsible use of digital platforms and strengthening civic awareness programmes,” Omollo said, pointing to the government-backed Vijana Tujue Gava initiative as a critical tool in educating young people on state functions and opportunities.
The PS emphasised the need to deepen grassroots understanding of government programmes under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), President William Ruto’s flagship policy framework aimed at expanding economic inclusion and job creation.
He urged Bunge la Wananchi — often described as a people’s parliament — to formalise its structures nationally to ensure broader representation in key policy conversations.
“I encouraged Bunge la Wananchi to organise nationally and ensure its grassroots voice is represented in the National Conversation on Kenya’s Future Beyond Vision 2030 on August 12,” he said.
The upcoming forum is expected to bring together stakeholders across sectors to shape Kenya’s long-term development path beyond the current Vision 2030 blueprint.
Omollo noted that platforms such as Bunge la Wananchi play a significant role in strengthening democracy by fostering dialogue between citizens and the state, particularly on governance and accountability issues.
The meeting was attended by several Nairobi leaders, including Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, and Nairobi West MCA Rex Omolleh.
The engagement signals a broader government push to tap into grassroots networks amid rising youth-driven conversations around governance, digital influence and economic opportunities.