PROMOTING ISSUE BASED POLITICS TO STRENGTHEN INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP IN WEST POKOT COUNTY

West Pokot County today hosted a vibrant Town Hall Meeting that brought together community voices to reflect on democracy, citizen participation, and the role of women in shaping leadership at both the county and national levels. The forum provided a platform for open dialogue on how issue-based politics can foster accountable, inclusive, and people-centered governance.

The session examined the realities facing women leaders across the county and the country, highlighting the constitutional and legal framework that supports inclusion, as well as the impact of women’s leadership in governance and public decision-making. Participants engaged in discussions on the need to move beyond personality-driven politics and focus on policies, development priorities, and community needs.

Leaders and community members shared key challenges women continue to face, including limited access to resources, cultural barriers, and institutional constraints that hinder full participation in leadership and governance processes.

The forum was led by Hon. Rael Aleutum Kasiwai, Woman Representative for West Pokot County, who called on men to actively support women’s leadership, strengthen public participation, and encourage youth to register, vote, and take up leadership roles to advance inclusive governance across the county.

The meeting was attended by Hon. Peter Lochakapong, Member of Parliament for Sigor Constituency, and Hon. Samuel Moroto, Member of Parliament for Kapenguria Constituency, whose presence underscored the importance of collaborative leadership in driving democratic engagement and development in West Pokot.

Through this dialogue, the Town Hall reaffirmed the value of issue-based politics as a pathway to empowering women, amplifying citizen voices, and building leadership that truly reflects the priorities and aspirations of the people of West Pokot County.