BY SHABAN OMAR
The Muslims Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP) has rolled out a community dialogue initiative aimed at bridging the gap between residents and elected leaders.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness on the rights of citizens, the roles and responsibilities of leaders, and promote accountability and transparency in leadership.
Speaking at Kilole Social Hall in Muhaka MWARP County Coordinator Mwalimu Ali said the dialogue series will be held across various wards in Kwale County.
He emphasized the importance of civic education, saying many residents remain unaware of their constitutional rights and the functions of elected leaders, which continues to hinder meaningful public participation and service delivery.
“Our goal is to create an informed and active citizenry. Many residents do not understand how devolution works or what their leaders are mandated to do,” he said.
MWARP County Coordinator Mwalimu Ali addresses community at Kilole Social Hall in Msambweni, Kwale County in July 2025.
Ali said the lack of knowledge has led poor governance and unfulfilled promises to go unchallenged.
The officer also noted that a significant number of residents struggle to differentiate the roles and responsibilities of various leaders and government offices.
He said the confusion often leads to misplaced blame when development stalls or services are not delivered.
“People don’t know who is responsible for what. Some blame the MCA for issues that fall under the national government or expect the MP to handle functions meant for the county government,” he said.
Ali said there is need for continuous civic education to ensure that citizens clearly understand the mandates of the governor, senator, MP, MCA, and appointed officials.
According to him, such knowledge will not only empower communities to demand the right services from the right offices but also enhance accountability in governance.
As part of the initiative, MWARP plans to distribute simplified civic education materials and organize mentorship forums for women and youth to build their capacity in leadership, governance, and advocacy.
Ali added that the forums will also give community members an opportunity to directly engage their local leaders on development matters, stalled projects, and emerging local concerns as well help address the challenges.
He said through the dialogues, MWARP hopes to restore trust and foster a culture of accountability between leaders and the communities they serve.
Kinondo Ward MCA Juma Maone lauded the initiative, saying it is timely and vital in deepening democracy at the grassroots level.
Kinondo MCA Juma Maone speaks to the locals at Kilole Social Hall in Msambweni, Kwale County in July 2025.
He noted that community dialogues play a key role in promoting transparency, strengthening oversight, and encouraging residents to actively participate in governance.
“I appreciate this initiative by MWARP. It goes a long way in enhancing accountability, improving oversight roles, and fostering mutual understanding between leaders and the people they serve,” said Maone.
He further urged other civil society organizations to support similar engagements, noting that leaders are more likely to deliver when communities are informed and involved in tracking development progress.
Maone also encouraged residents to use such platforms constructively to ask questions, give feedback, and suggest solutions rather than only focusing on criticism.
He assured locals that his office remains open and committed to delivering on development priorities as promised.
Residents also welcomed the move, noting that such forums are long overdue.
Mwalinyenzi Hamisi said lauded MWARP for spearheading the initiative, saying leaders often neglect their roles once elected.
“Many of our leaders disappear after elections and only reappear when seeking votes again. These dialogues will help keep them on their toes and remind them that leadership is about service, not privilege,” he said.
He said such forums should be conducted at all levels village, ward, sub-county, and county to ensure every citizen has an opportunity to interact with their elected leaders and get answers to their pressing questions, especially those related to development.
Hamisi said the dialogues create an important space for interaction, clarification, and accountability hence should be held regularly and across all levels to reach every corner of the communities.
 A resident Mwalinyenzi Hamisi speaks in an interview at Kilole Social Hall in Msambweni, Kwale County in July 2025.
He said that when leaders and citizens engage directly, it reduces misinformation, builds trust, and enhances collective responsibility in decision-making and development planning.
Another resident Mariam Mwakulola also challenged other leaders to embrace such engagements and stop shying away from public scrutiny.
She said leaders must be ready to face the people, account for their actions, and explain the progress or setbacks in delivering their promises.
“We elect leaders to serve us, not to disappear until the next election. These forums help us ask questions, understand what’s going on, and hold our leaders accountable,” said Mwakulola.
She added that the forum had been an eye-opener for her, especially in understanding the different roles played by various leaders, from MCAs to MPs and governors, as well as the crucial role the public plays in development.
A residents Mariam Mwakulola
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