Kitui County Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chair, Hon. Cyrus Musyoka Sonko, is spearheading a bold push for the urgent passage of a Civic Education Act. As the MCA representing Ikanga/Kyatune Ward, Sonko argues that the bill is not just overdue it is essential. With the National Assembly having passed a similar bill last year, Sonko believes Kitui must match that momentum to give devolution the grassroots fuel it desperately needs.
Quoting the 2010 Constitution, Sonko underscored the importance of public participation, warning that without civic understanding, democratic governance remains hollow. He emphasized that citizens often lack the knowledge to distinguish between the mandates of MCAs, MPs, Senators, and Governors, which leads to misplaced anger and weakened accountability. A dedicated civic education law would change that, he asserted, by formally allocating resources and embedding civic literacy into county development plans.
For Sonko, this is especially critical for marginalized communities often left behind in governance discourse. The bill, he said, will demystify government functions, empower the electorate, and ensure people understand both their rights and duties. “We must ensure our citizens are not just voters, but informed stakeholders in public life,” he urged.
He also pointed to the county’s digital shortcomings, lamenting the current Kitui County website as a missed opportunity. If this Act is passed, he envisions a dynamic online platform offering real-time, relevant information to guide citizen engagement. “An informed citizen is a powerful citizen. Let’s make that happen,” he concluded with conviction.
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