The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Nyanza region, in collaboration with civil society and community leaders, has called for greater accountability from the Kisumu County Government. The demands span critical issues such as security, healthcare, and the management of public resources.
Speaking at a quarterly consultation forum at Coptic Orthodox Church in Nyamasaria, Kisumu, NCCK Kisumu County Chairman, Bishop Clement Otieno Oguta, emphasized the importance of accurate, timely, and transparent public communication. He noted that misinformation has been a major trigger of communal tensions, exacerbating grievances and eroding trust in public institutions.
The leaders identified inadequate communication systems and weak dissemination of information at grassroots levels as significant contributors to misunderstandings and governance challenges. They called for the county government to strengthen its communication platforms, ensuring communities are well-informed about development programs, public policies, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
“Proper communication and collaboration between the government, civil societies, faith-based organizations, and the media are essential to ensure a transparent flow of public information,” said Bishop Clement.
He also stressed the urgent need for conflict mitigation strategies, particularly regarding tensions along the Kisumu-Kericho border.
The forum resolved that the Kisumu County Government must enhance transparency and accessibility to public information. Leaders urged the county to establish clear platforms for disseminating information at the grassroots level and engage the public regularly through community forums and digital platforms to communicate policy changes, projects, and resource allocations.
The NCCK also called for investments in early warning systems to monitor potential conflict triggers and facilitate timely responses. Bishop Clement urged collaboration with faith-based organizations and civil societies for civic education to inform citizens of their roles, rights, and responsibilities in fostering peaceful coexistence.
Highlighting rising insecurity in Kisumu, Father Thomas Onyango echoed these sentiments, urging police to address escalating cases of robbery and attacks. “Security is a government responsibility, and people are asking for a safe environment to live in,” he said.
The leaders underscored the urgency of addressing unemployment, equitable resource allocation, and political intolerance, which they identified as key contributors to tensions within the community.
This forum marked a significant call to action, urging Kisumu County leadership to prioritize transparency, proactive conflict resolution, and public engagement to foster peace and sustainable development.
