NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 26 – Local communities will now have a greater say in the development projects implemented by county governments following the establishment of Community-Led Project Management Committees (PMCs). The initiative is spearheaded by the State Department for Devolution under the Second Kenya Devolution Support Program.
Devolution Principal Secretary Michael Lenasalon described the move as transformative, saying it would “reshape how citizens at the grassroots are involved and engaged” in influencing county-led development.
“The PMCs are established to ensure that wananchi priorities inform projects implemented by counties. This will strengthen public participation across the counties,” he said during the closure of a workshop in Makueni.
The Committees will comprise community members elected or nominated to oversee county development projects.
“In the formation of PMCs, key factors to consider include project design, system complexity, the nature of the project, the number of users, and the different activities and stakeholders to be coordinated,” the PS added.
Lenasalon praised counties for actively involving communities throughout the entire project cycle — from initiation to handover.
“Counties that have pioneered community-led oversight structures have made a positive impact because county projects now reflect community priorities. These counties are worth emulating,” he said.
The PS further noted that all PMCs are provided with relevant project documents — including Bills of Quantities (BQs), contract agreements, and other essential information — to empower them to perform their oversight role effectively.
He urged county officers to ensure the Committees’ work reflects local realities.
“Your role as PMC champions is central to cascading this vision, ensuring that every PMC is grounded in legitimacy, clarity of mandate, and a shared purpose of serving the community,” Lenasalon added.
Makueni and Homa Bay counties were recognised as model counties for excelling in the establishment of effective Project Management Committees.