KEWASNET EMPOWERS MAKUENI YOUTH WASH PARLIAMENT IN SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY TRAINING
In a ground-breaking initiative, KEWASNET conducted a three-day social accountability training workshop with the Makueni Youth WASH Parliament as part of the Accountability for Water Program's phase 2 activities. The workshop brought together passionate young advocates from the region, showcasing their impressive knowledge of county matters throughout the sessions.
KEWASNET CEO Malesi Shivaji, a self-proclaimed youth champion, facilitated the workshop with a vision to place young people at the forefront of accountability efforts in the water and sanitation (WASH) sector. "Young people have opened a new realm of reality. Things will never be the same again," he remarked.
The workshop kicked off with participants sharing their aspirations, hopes, and fears, followed by an overview of the Accountability for Water Program's objectives. Shivaji praised the attendees for exemplifying effective community engagement in Makueni County.
A key focus of the training was on social accountability tools and their practical application. Participants were divided into groups to research and present various social accountability tools, with guiding questions ensuring comprehensive coverage of each tool's process, applicability, benefits, and potential challenges.
The training also delved into the "Pipes, Policy and Money Key Findings and Recommendations" report, which examines integrity risks in public finance flows within the WASH sector. This segment aimed to spark candid conversations about the report's applicability to water service delivery in Makueni County.
Participants were introduced to the Access to Information Act 2016, learning about the extent of information the county government can disclose to citizens. Ms. Carolyne Vita, Assistant Director of Water Governance and Compliance in Makueni County, encouraged the youth to consistently engage with the county government and familiarize themselves with relevant water laws and policies.
“Please familiarize yourselves with all the relevant laws on water, all the county water policies, the Water Act, and the water services regulations, are online. If you wish for hard copies, they can be made available to you. Where there is a gap in the county policy, please refer to the National Act. Remember that all laws are anchored on the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” she said.
She told the participants that accountability should not stop at the community level and they should utilize all the feedback mechanisms and institutions available to reach the county government because they work. “If you need to have a sit-down with the Governor, I am happy to set up the meeting”, she said.
KEWASNET Communications Officer Julia Ayieko led a session on leveraging technology and social media for advocacy. She provided valuable insights on branding the Makueni WASH Parliament, strategic social media usage, and ethical considerations in online engagement.
As a practical outcome of the workshop, participants chose to apply the budget-tracking social accountability tool to two county projects: the Kamunyii-Kaiti Water Project and the Athi-Kilema-Tunguni Water Project. They are now tasked with developing a comprehensive work plan and reporting their findings.
This training marks a significant step in empowering Makueni's youth to take an active role in water sector accountability. By equipping them with essential knowledge and tools, KEWASNET is fostering a new generation of informed advocates ready to drive positive change in their communities.
The success of this workshop underscores the importance of youth involvement in governance and accountability processes. As these young leaders apply their newly acquired skills, Makueni County can look forward to more transparent, efficient, and responsive water service delivery in the years to come.
