Change doesn’t begin in offices — it begins in the hearts of people who care about their community.
At Maono Space, we have always believed that true development starts when citizens take the lead.
Earlier this month, we witnessed that belief come to life on October 1st 2025, a powerful day that brought together changemakers, citizens, and government officials, including the Governor of Kilifi County and his cabinet.
A Morning of Purpose and Preparation
On the morning of the event, before the official program kicked off, there was an unmistakable energy in the air.
Everyone from the staff to the changemakers, and partners was on the move. The photographers were setting up their cameras to capture every moment, the tech team was busy preparing the dashboard for data presentations, and the communications team was organizing updates for social media. All around the space, you could see commitment in action; everyone doing their part to ensure that everything was set before the Governor’s arrival.
It was a moment that perfectly reflected what Maono stands for: collaboration, shared effort, and community ownership.
From Data Collection to Action
The data collection exercise was done within one week — a true testament to the commitment and coordination of our changemakers led by Kilifi Youth Assembly. Using the simple digital tool Sabasi, they gathered information on county development projects across Kilifi in all the 35 Wards: what was working, what was stalled, and what the people truly needed.
But the most beautiful part of this process was what happened next.
After collecting the data, the changemakers went back to their communities through barazas, sharing their findings and listening to the voices of the people. Together, they identified the priority projects, including the roads, schools, hospitals, and water systems that matter most. These priorities were written boldly on manila papers, not as demands, but as declarations of what Kilifi’s people envision for their future.
A Historic Dialogue Between Citizens and Government
During the event, something extraordinary happened — the government met the people in their own space, as equals.
From morning to evening, the Governor and his team sat inside Maono Space, listening to citizens present their data, their stories, and their priorities. For the first time since Devolution was introduced, it wasn’t the government explaining progress but the citizens showing the way forward.
Our changemakers spoke with confidence and clarity, reminding leaders that, as stated in Chapter One of the Constitution of Kenya, sovereignty belongs to the people. They didn’t beg for development; they demanded accountability and insisted on being part of implementation.
It was a statement that citizens and government can build together when there is trust, transparency, and shared purpose.
Our work doesn’t end here.
Maono Space will continue to empower changemakers, strengthen community networks, and promote citizen participation across all sub-counties. Because when citizens are informed, organized, and united, change becomes unstoppable.
