By Shaban Omar
Grassroots-based Project Management Committees (PMCs) across Kwale County have undergone intensive training to enhance their ability to oversee the quality and progress of development projects in their areas.
The training aimed to equip committee members with the knowledge and tools necessary to evaluate, track, and ensure that initiatives led by the government or development partners are executed to high standards, deliver value for money, and respond effectively to community needs.
The initiative was spearheaded and financed by the Muslim Women Advancement of Rights and Protection (MWARP).
Speaking at an interview MWARP’s Kwale County Coordinator, Mwalimu Ali, highlighted the importance of PMCs in transforming plans on paper into real projects that benefit communities.
County MWARP Coordinator Mwalimu Ali
Ali stressed that without active citizen involvement and regular monitoring, many projects risk stagnating or being executed poorly.
“We’ve witnessed situations where projects begin with a lot of fanfare but are either abandoned midway or completed using inferior materials. Empowering community watchdog groups like PMCs is, therefore, a crucial step toward changing this trend,” he said.
He further said that when residents are empowered with the right knowledge, they can better question irregularities, demand transparency, and help safeguard public resources.
The training involved hands-on sessions, including how to carry out site inspections, assess construction quality, and compile and forward reports to relevant authorities.
“PMC members must go beyond just approving projects. Their role is to oversee every stage from planning and procurement to execution and final delivery to ensure procedures are followed and no corners are cut,” he said.
Ali said that many PMC members previously lacked formal training in project oversight, a gap that has often resulted in substandard infrastructure and services.
He said the capacity-building sessions came at a crucial time, as they are equipping residents to play a more active role in demanding accountability from contractors and government entities.
Ali also called on more development partners and county institutions to support such community-focused programs, pointing out that grassroots monitoring can go a long way in reducing corruption and improving service delivery.
According to him, strengthening PMCs helps promote transparency and strengthens the relationship between citizens and duty bearers.
He encouraged the trained committee members to become champions of accountability and to share their newfound knowledge with others in their communities.
“This knowledge must not stop with you. Go back home, educate your neighbors, and act as the eyes and ears of your communities,” Ali urged.
He also noted that the program not only boosts the capacity of PMC members but also fosters collaboration among community members, government departments, and civil society organizations, ensuring better coordination in the implementation of development projects.
The training brought together a mix of community leaders, government representatives, and civil society actors.
One participant, Issa Sarai from Lunga-Lunga Sub- County, commended the training, saying it had opened her eyes to important elements of project oversight, such as analyzing bills of quantities, tracking project timelines, and detecting substandard workmanship.
A resident Isaa Sarai
“I now know how to follow a project closely from the beginning until it is completed,” she said.
Another member, Mwanasiti Bakari, praised the training for equipping them with practical skills to monitor and evaluate development work, adding that they previously did not fully grasp their roles and often left everything to government officers and contractors.
“With this knowledge, I now feel empowered to ask tough questions, request official documents, and ensure that work is done according to set timelines and standards,” she said.
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