UNDP in bold move to help deal with issues

Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei and UNDP Resident Representative Nardos Bekele-Thomas sign a partnership agreement at Standard Group head office in Nairobi yesterday. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/ STANDARD]

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched an interactive talk show to be aired on KTN engaging the public and civil society on pertinent issues affecting the nation.

Standard Group Chief Executive Officer Sam Shollei said the initiative gives Kenyans an opportunity to discuss and address their concerns.

"Through these discussions, problems and solutions on issues of insecurity, governance and development among other concerns will be looked into," said Mr Shollei, adding that the public would exchange views on devolution and rate their leaders, both at national and county levels.

Shollei spoke yesterday during signing of the contract between the Standard Group and UNDP at the Standard Group Centre, Nairobi.

He said KTN has been committed to airing issues that affect communities, especially on insecurity in the coastal region and tribalism in Eldoret, in a bid to find amicable solutions.

The show titled Sikika Sasa will be hosted by Jeff Koinange and cover Kilifi, Turkana, Machakos, Homa Bay, Kapsabet and Nairobi counties. Topics will vary depending on the areas of concern.

The show seeks to enhance debate on human rights issues and create a national dialogue platform on devolution and its implementation.

It also aims to showcase the role of UNDP in the development agenda and reignite development partners' interest in the human rights and devolution agenda.

The show premieres on August 15 at 8pm and will run for six weeks. If successful, it will be supported for the next four or five years.

UNDP Resident Representative Nardos Bekele-Thomas said Kenyans need to be the drivers of change as a permanent solution to creating sustainable development because they understand the issues affecting them.