BUNGE MASHINANI IMPLEMENTED BY KERICHO COUNTY ASSEMBLY; A LANDMARK OF INCLUSIVITY AND TRANSPARENCY
The Kericho County Assembly convened a special sitting, "Bunge Mashinani," on November 17, 2025, at Ainamoi Technical Institute, located in Ainamoi Ward, Ainamoi Constituency, a significant move that aims to bring governance closer to the people. The session was presided over by Hon. Patrick Mutai, the Speaker of the County Assembly, and hosted by Hon. Cheriyot Bett, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Ainamoi Ward.
This grassroots legislative engagement aimed to enhance public participation and transparency in county governance. Residents of Ainamoi had the rare opportunity to witness firsthand the deliberations and decision-making processes of their elected representatives.
The sitting featured two major notice motion with the first being; Approval of the Public Service Board Selection Panel
The Assembly debated a motion tabled by the Vice Chairperson of the Appointments Committee, seeking approval of the committee’s report on the vetting and selection of the panel tasked with appointing the Chairperson and Members of the Kericho County Public Service Board. The motion underscored the importance of merit-based appointments and institutional integrity in public service delivery. After thorough deliberations, the Assembly voted to adopt the report, paving the way for the formal constitution of the selection panel.
The second motion was on Kericho County Youth Development Bill, 2024; The highlight of the sitting was the Committee of the Whole House discussion on the Kericho County Youth Development Bill, 2024, sponsored by Hon. Issack Matkeir, a nominated MCA. The bill seeks to establish a framework for youth empowerment through skills development, entrepreneurship support, and civic engagement programs.
The debate was intense, with members proposing various amendments to enhance the bill’s inclusivity and effectiveness. Key points of contention included; the level of education required for a youth to be elected as the chairperson, implementation timelines and the role of ward-level youth offices. After incorporating several amendments, the bill was passed at its third reading, signaling strong legislative support for youth-focused development initiatives.
The Bunge Mashinani initiative reflects Kericho County Assembly’s commitment to decentralized governance and citizen inclusion. By holding sittings outside the official assembly chambers, the leadership aims to demystify legislative processes and foster civic awareness.
Hon. Speaker Patrick Mutai lauded the initiative, stating, “This is a transformative approach to governance. We are not just lawmakers; we are servants of the people. Bringing the Assembly to the grassroots ensures that our decisions resonate with the realities on the ground.”
Hon. Cheriyot Bett, the host MCA, emphasized the importance of youth legislation, noting that Ainamoi Ward has a vibrant youth population eager for opportunities. “The Youth Development Bill is a game-changer. It will unlock potential and create pathways for prosperity,” he remarked.
With the successful passage of the Youth Development Bill, the document will now be forwarded to the Governor of Kericho County for assent, after which it will become law. The approved Public Service Board selection panel is expected to begin its mandate promptly, ensuring that key appointments are made transparently and efficiently.
This sitting marks a milestone in Kericho’s legislative history, reinforcing the Assembly’s role as a responsive and people centered institution. As the county continues to embrace participatory governance, initiatives like Bunge Mashinani are poised to strengthen democracy and accountability at the local level.