PS Omollo calls for community-government cooperation to advance development

Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo has urged communities to embrace partnerships with the government to help uphold security effectively.

According to the PS, residents should work closely with local administrators, including village elders, assistant chiefs and chiefs, to strengthen community security and address emerging challenges before they escalate.

“Security begins with all of us. When communities work closely with Government administrators, we are able to identify challenges early, support vulnerable youth and create a safe environment for families and businesses to thrive,” he said during a women’s empowerment forum in Nairobi on Sunday.

PS Omollo maintained that the Government remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across all parts of the country, insisting that a secure environment is essential for economic growth and community prosperity.

Likewise, he urged women to continue playing a leading role in advancing education, security, healthcare and economic empowerment, lauding them as the foundation of cohesive communities and national development.

He challenged them to champion education within their households and communities, noting that education remains the most powerful tool for social transformation and economic mobility.

“We need more women in leadership because they bring unique strengths to governance, community mobilization and service delivery. I encourage qualified women to step forward whenever opportunities arise and contribute to nation building,” he said.

He praised the government for playing its part in supporting community development by investing in its flagship programmes — education, health and affordable housing.

He cited the Ksh.780 billion appropriated to the education sector for the Financial Year 2026/27, adding that it is set to improve the quality of education across the nation.

In Nairobi, he said the Government has undertaken targeted interventions to address overcrowding in schools through the construction of additional classrooms and expansion of learning facilities.

“In many schools across Nairobi, classrooms have been overstretched due to rising enrolment. The Government has invested heavily in expanding education infrastructure because every child deserves a conducive learning environment. Education remains the greatest equalizer, giving children from all backgrounds an opportunity to succeed and build a better future,” he said.

PS Omollo termed the Affordable Housing Programme as one of the transformative initiatives aimed at improving living standards while creating employment and business opportunities for local communities.

“The affordable housing programme is not only providing decent homes but is also creating jobs and business opportunities for wananchi. We want residents to prepare themselves to benefit from these houses once they are completed so that more families can enjoy dignified living conditions with access to water, electricity and sanitation,” he said.

On healthcare, the PS urged residents to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA), emphasizing that access to affordable and quality healthcare is critical to family welfare and economic stability.

He believes that the Government has made significant investments in healthcare reforms to ensure that Kenyans can access medical services without facing financial hardship.

“Every family should be registered under SHA. No Kenyan should be forced to choose between seeking medical treatment and meeting basic household needs. The Government is committed to protecting families from the burden of catastrophic healthcare costs,” he said.

He said that President William Ruto’s government is committed to support initiatives aimed at uplifting families, empowering women and accelerating socio-economic transformation across the country.