Tolgos: My government embraces transparency

 

HE. Governor Eng Alex Tolgos, EGH has assured civil society organizations CSOs that his government will continue embracing their participation in enhancing transparency and accountability.Tolgos said through the efforts of the CSOs, the electorate in Elgeyo Marakwet county had become more informed than in any other part of the country.

“Infact wananchi are not only informed but they are also keen in demanding  quality service and value for money in every project undertaken in their locations,”said Tolgos while appreciating the participation of the CSOs.

He said the consequences of the Civil society activities were helpful in putting on toes both contractors and project management committes PMCs.

” Look,  we will have to make it a requirement that beside PMCs’ signature okaying payment for work done, a contractor will not be paid until we also have concurrence of civil society social auditors,” said the county chief.

Tolgos also cautioned public works officials who do not give accurate project bill of quantities BQs saying his administration was not going to tolerate.

Speaking at Iten polytechnic during a meeting for Elgeyo Marakwet Civil Society Organizations CSOs Network today, Tolgos said he was encouraged by the vibrant and robust activities of the CSOs.

The Governor encouraged the civil society to always feel free in seeking information and interrogating his government projects and even sharing  with him any poorly done ones if any.

“Should you come across any project that is not upto standard, share with me and I will take it up to Rapid Results Initiative RRI meeting that we have with top officials every Monday,” said Tolgos

Kenneth Kimaiyo,  the programs coordinator for Iten Integrated and Environmental Conservation Community Based Organization CBO which convened the meeting said his team had been dedicated to empowering the citizens with information on budget making process and their rights to quality service.

Kimaiyo said  the CSOs conduct independent social audit of public projects as well as  carrying  out civic education to empower citizens with knowledge about their constitutional and democratic rights.

The event brought together both CSOs and Civic Educators drawn from the county alongside their sponsor Uraia Trust which was winding up its sponsorship with Mr Kimaiyo’s Iten Integrated and Environmental organization.

According to Uraia Trust official Carolyne Nyamu the agency sponsored the Iten based CBO from 2016 to  December 2018 to a tune of Sh.12 million.

“This Governor for Elgeyo Marakwet did commendable job in his first term and that’s why he earned himself re-election,” said Ms Nyamu.

She said there were a lot of success stories associated with Tolgos’ administration.

Transparency International,TI, Open Governance partnership, OGP, the Catholic Peace and Justice, CPJ, Centre for Democracy  Network among other  organizations were represented in the meeting.