Dandelion Africa roots for community dialogues towards enhancing service delivery

There is need for more community dialogue meetings with duty bearers to enhance service delivery.

Nakuru-based Organization Dandelion Africa argues that such platforms provide a moment for members of the society to share a round table discussion with duty bearers.

It is also a platform for community to know their leaders and understand their mandate- a gap that has been there for many years.

Dandelion Africa’s Executive Director Wendo Aszed says it becomes difficult for communities to advocate their issues if they do not understand their duty bearers.

The Community Dialogue held in Turi Ward.PHOTO/Pristone Mambili.

Speaking in Turi Ward of Molo Sub county on Monday February 12, 2024 during a community dialogue with duty bearers, Wendo stated that Dandelion Africa is spearheading such forums to ensure communities are sustainable.

She added that this will also empower the communities to be able to lobby and advocate on issues affecting them.

“Dandelion Africa works in a very unique way. We want our communities to be sustainable, to be able to lobby and advocate for issues by themselves,” she stated.

According to Wendo, such dialogues between communities and duty bearers is very critical because when they have the knowledge, then they can be able to lobby for so many issues.

It should be noted that Dandelion Africa has continued to carry out outreaches within Molo after it was realized there was a gap in terms of access to services.

“Molo is a rich community and therefore the wealth should be utilized well. This can only happen if the people are empowered to articulate their issues,” said Wendo.

This even as teenage pregnancies, school drop-outs and lack of access to health services due to longer distance to health facilities remain the key issues in Molo.

Nancy Wambui- a resident of Turi during interview.PHOTO/Pristone Mambili.

The locals who attended the dialogue meeting convened by Dandelion Africa called on duty bearers to up their game in ensuring improved service delivery.

Led by Moses Kariuki and Nancy Wambui , they said for many years Turi has been neglected when it comes to development agenda.

Turi MCA John Mwangi during interview.PHOTO/Pristone Mambili.

However, in an interview area MCA John Mwangi assured that all issues raised will be addressed with time.

The MCA lauded Dandelion Africa for organizing such dialogues terming them key in enhancing service delivery.

According to the MCA, in the 2023/2024 financial year, allocation has been made that will see a Turi Health Centre put up, to avert long distances that locals are subjected when seeking health services.

Pristone Mambili
Author: Pristone Mambili

A trained Journalist with passion for Radio and online Writing.

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