Grassroot Economic Dialogues Interdenominational Conference Kicks Off In Mwatate, Taita Taveta County

The Government of Kenya, through the State Department for Economic Planning has today Wednesday, 18th February 2026 officially unveiled a landmark initiative titled: Grassroots Economic Dialogues for Interfaith Groups “Brethren to Brethren Fellowship” in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County.

The Government aims at engaging citizens through Religious leaders and Inter-Faith Groups to review progress, identify existing gaps and strengthen the delivery of key development programmes.

This is firmly anchored in the Constitution of Kenya (2010) which guarantees public participation in governance and National development planning.

The initiative forms part of the ongoing implementation of the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV) anchored in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Speaking during the Convocation as the Guest Speaker, the Economic Planning Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface Makokha, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive and citizen-centered development that positions Kenyans at the heart of policy formulation and implementation.

“Faith that builds and measures must leave a legacy,” PS Makokha remarked, as he led the audience through an insightful discussion on the BETA pillars including Digital Superhighway, Health Care, Agriculture and Medium Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) among others.

PS Makokha underscored the importance of stewardship, entrepreneurship, creativity and diligence in driving sustainable growth and economic development.

Additionally, in a media interview, the PS reiterated that Economic Planning functions as the nerve centre of all enterprises and guides the Overall Government Approach to development. He also highlighted the vital role faith-based Institutions play in positively mobilizing communities and promoting accountability.

On his part, the Head of County Commissioners/Intergovernmental Officers (CCIOs) Prof. Morris Kiwinda Mbondenyi underscored the critical role of structured public participation in strengthening policy-making processes.

He further noted that engaging faith-based institutions is strategic, given their deep community networks and influence in shaping social values, civic responsibility and national cohesion.

The dialogues will be conducted by a multi-sectoral team drawn from key Government institutions with engagements scheduled across all the Forty-Seven (47) Counties.

Moreover, the initiative ensures broad representation with at least ten participants from each ward, deliberately incorporating gender balance and the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Ultimately, dubbed “Gumzo la Uchumi Mashinani,” the Grassroots Economic Dialogues mark a significant milestone in advancing collaboration between Government and faith-based institutions ensuring that no one is left behind in Kenya’s development journey.

Present during the Conference were: the Ag. Economic Planning Secretaries James Maina, Festus Wangwe; Director of Planning, Dr.Justus Makau; Taita Taveta Deputy County Commissioner, and Taita Taveta County Religious Leaders among others.