Mama Anna Ngala, Village Administrator in Kinango, addressing the Council of Elders and KAYA, during the Kinango Sub-county forums with the leaders on 18th January 2017.
NCCK playing a key role in strengthening our county.” These were the words of Mrs. Anna Ngala, a Village Administrator, within Kinango electoral ward. NCCK Coast is implementing Ugatuzi Na Haki project, aimed at empowering women to step forward and advocate for people-centred and accountable devolved governance in Kwale County, specifically Kinango and Lunga lunga sub-counties, with the support of UNDP Kenya through Amkeni Wakenya. This is in line with furthering the SDG 16; Peace, Justice and Strong institutions.
Since her appointment as the village unit administrator, Mrs. Ngala has faced challenges of inviting local elders to her public forums. A scenario that has made the elders feel out of touch with the county government development processes.
During the Kinango sub-county council of elders/kaya leaders’ forum provided an opportunity for the two parties to engage. The elders who have been accusing the county government of sidelining them in development decision-making, held a view that the administrator had employed inappropriate means of disseminating information.
Since the village council had not been instituted according to the constitution, the administrator has been making the use of Assistant Chief, village elders and ‘Nyumba Kumi’ officials , all of whom were accused of bias in disseminating information. The elders however after deliberations promised to make regular and frequent visits to the administrator’s office to get updates on the governance processes. Stronger collaboration between the elders and administrator began, with Mrs. Ngala sharing her contacts with the elders. The elders promised too to attend public forums, including public participations.
“Thank you so much NCCK for having these educative forums in Kinango, indeed you are making our work as county government of Kwale easier. I have faced challenges bringing together these respected elders, but today here they are, courtesy of your efforts, it is my hope that just as they have promised me their support, we are going to improve on service delivery in Kinango. May you continue with the good work”, says Mrs. Ngala, in a jovial mood, showing happiness.
