By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, June 05, 2026 - Principal Secretary for Economic Planning, Dr Bonface Makokha, has urged Kenyans to stop politicising government-funded development projects and instead embrace constructive engagement aimed at improving service delivery.
Speaking during a clergy engagement forum under the Ministry of Economic Planning's Gumzo la Uchumi Mashinani initiative at Migosi in Kisumu, the PS said criticism of government programmes should be accompanied by practical alternatives rather than blanket condemnation.
His remarks echoed President William Ruto's recent appeal for patience and national unity amid growing political criticism of his administration.
Makokha argued that development projects financed through taxpayers' money belong to all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation and should therefore not become casualties of partisan battles.
"If wananchi are not satisfied with a project or a policy, they should provide alternative solutions. Let us move away from condemning everything government does. Where we err, correct us positively, not through insults and hate mongering. Let us fight to provide solutions because, at the end of the day, we all benefit," said Makokha.
The PS took issue with what he described as a growing culture of negative narratives surrounding government programmes, warning that misinformation and constant political attacks risk eroding public confidence in institutions and delaying development efforts.
He called on citizens to exercise patriotism by engaging government through dialogue and public participation forums rather than social media hostility.
"The State is open to engage citizens every day. Government exists to serve the people and is always ready to listen and respond to genuine concerns. We must build a culture of engagement rather than confrontation," he said.
Makokha mounted a spirited defence of the administration of President William Ruto, insisting that the government means well for all Kenyans and remains committed to improving livelihoods through investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and economic empowerment programmes.
According to the PS, the President's vision is anchored on dialogue, reconciliation and inclusive development.
"The President is always open to national dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation so that the country can move forward together. Development cannot thrive where there is division and perpetual hostility," he said.
His comments came barely a day after President Ruto declared that his administration would not be distracted by what he termed a barrage of negative narratives from political adversaries, insisting that his government remained focused on delivering services to wananchi.
More from Kenya
The Head of State urged Kenyans to reject propaganda and insults and instead support ongoing development programmes aimed at transforming lives across the country.
Makokha told the clergy that religious leaders have a critical role in shaping public discourse and promoting responsible citizenship.
He challenged church leaders to become ambassadors of good stewardship, peace and accountability while encouraging wananchi to participate actively in development initiatives.
"The church remains one of the most trusted institutions in society. Religious leaders should help unite communities, promote truth and encourage citizens to engage government constructively," he said.
The forum was part of the nationwide Gumzo la Uchumi Mashinani programme, which seeks to take economic conversations to the grassroots and create direct interaction between citizens, religious leaders and policymakers.
The PS noted that the initiative was born out of the realisation that many citizens were unaware of government programmes being implemented in their localities despite substantial public investment.
The engagement comes at a time when the government is pushing ahead with an ambitious spending programme following Parliament's approval of the 2026/27 Budget Policy Statement, which set a national government expenditure ceiling of approximately Sh2.88 trillion and prioritised education, healthcare, roads, housing and county development.
Supporters of the administration argue that sustained public participation and civic education are necessary to bridge the information gap between government policy and wananchi, while critics maintain that citizens have a right to question government decisions and demand accountability.
Yet for Makokha, the challenge is not criticism itself but the manner in which it is expressed.
"Kenya belongs to all of us. Let us criticise where necessary, but let us also propose solutions. Patriotism demands that we build rather than destroy, unite rather than divide and seek progress rather than perpetual conflict," he said.
Discover more Kenya updates