During the visit, Gachagua emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency in the management of public funds allocated to the region.
He noted that Northern Kenya has historically faced marginalization and that the people have often been held back by both local clan elders and elected leaders.
“The era in which leaders could hide behind outdated policies like Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965 is over,” Gachagua said.
He highlighted that the Constitution of Kenya 2010, along with devolution, devolved funds, Equalization Funds, and Constituency Development Fund (CDF), has progressively addressed historical inequalities.
He stressed that the reforms introduced through these mechanisms have empowered communities, allowing them to access resources directly and hold leaders accountable.
“The genie is already out of the bottle,” he noted, underscoring that continued vigilance and civic engagement are necessary to maintain progress.
Gachagua’s visit also included discussions on strategies to strengthen oversight and ensure that public funds in Northern Kenya are used effectively for development projects that benefit the residents.
He called on both government officials and citizens to actively participate in promoting accountability, emphasizing that transparency is key to sustainable development.
The former DP’s reflections come amid growing public demand for better governance and equitable distribution of resources in the region.
By engaging with community leaders and stakeholders, Gachagua hopes to reinforce the culture of accountability and empower Northern Kenya residents to fully benefit from development initiatives.