GRASSROOTS ECONOMIC DIALOGUES INTERDENOMINATIONAL INITIATIVE KISUMU CHAPTER

Kisumu County has today Friday, 5th June, 2026 taken the centre stage as the Government of Kenya, through the State Department for Economic Planning convened the Grassroots Economic Dialogues initiative dubbed ‘Gumzo La Uchumi Mashinani’ in Migosi Comprehensive School.

The dialogues brought together Kisumu Inter-faith Religious Leaders termed “Brethren to Brethren” providing a platform for meaningful interactions that will contribute to Kenya’s shared prosperity under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

While representing the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Hon. FCPA John Mbadi, the Economic Planning Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface Makokha underscored Gumzo la Uchumi Mashinani initiative as a key platform for strengthening public participation in Kenya’s development agenda.

He highlighted that inclusive dialogue is critical to ensuring that development interventions are people-centered, sustainable and impactful hence enabling ‘Wananchi’ to better understand and contribute to the Nation’s development.

"Faith that builds, Faith that measures and Faith that produces results must leave a legacy," the PS reiterated, as he led the congregation through a perceptive discussion on the BETA pillars.

Moreover, the BETA Pillars include: Agricultural Transformation, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); Housing and Settlement; Universal Healthcare Coverage; Digital superhighway and Creative Economy.

“Faith-Based groups possess extensive grassroots networks that make them Key influential leaders in mobilizing communities and disseminating information on government programmes,” PS Makokha said.

PS Makokha further commended Religious leaders for their role in promoting social cohesion and officially launched the Brethren to Brethren Fellowship Kisumu Sacco to advance grassroots economic dialogues.

On his part, the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Advisor for Youth, Gender, Political Affairs and External Liaison, George Yogo emphasized that Religious Leaders need to be guided by knowledge and factual information, ensuring they communicate accurately when engaging with the people.

Besides, the Kisumu County dialogues have ensured inclusivity through broad participation, gender balance and the involvement of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Collectively, through the partnership between the National and County Governments, Gumzo la Uchumi Mashinani is fostering a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous future for all Kenyans.

In attendance were: The Economic Planning Director General Dr. Masini Ichwara; Nyanza Regional Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha; Kisumu Central Constituency MP Hon. Oron Joshua; Kisumu East Constituency MP Hon. Ahmed Shakeel; Secretaries Economic Planning Timothy Gakuu and Festus Wangwe and Kisumu Religious Leaders Representatives among other Senior Officials.