Event Report: Public Participation Forum
Project: Programme-Based Budget Estimates FY 2026/2027
Date: 28th April 2026
Venue: Elude Kipchoge Sports Complex
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Organiser: County Government of Nandi
Participating Organization: Retizen Organization

1.0 Purpose and Objectives
On 28th April 2026, Retizen Organisation participated in a public participation forum organized by the County Government of Nandi at Elude Kipchoge Sports Complex. The forum focused on the
Programme-Based Budget Estimates for the Financial Year 2026/2027. The primary objective of the
engagement was to provide citizens with an opportunity to contribute to county planning and
budgeting processes, while also enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in
governance. Retizen’s involvement aimed at ensuring youth representation and encouraging
meaningful participation of young people in public decision-making platforms.

2.0 Overview / Executive Summary
The public participation forum was successfully conducted with representation from various
stakeholders, including county officials, community members, and development partners. Retizen Organization facilitated the attendance of ten youth champions who actively took part in the discussions. Despite experiencing rainfall that caused minor delays in movement, the team managed to arrive at the venue on time before the official commencement of the meeting at 10:00 a.m. The session proceeded until 2:15 p.m., providing ample time for engagement, discussion, and feedback from participants. The presence of Retizen and its youth representatives was widely acknowledged and appreciated by both the organizing committees and county leadership.

3.0 Detailed Description of Activities
The forum was structured to allow participants to review and contribute to the proposed budget estimates for the upcoming financial year. Attendees were guided through key sectors and allocations, after which they were invited to give their input, ask questions, and make recommendations. Retizen’s youth champions were actively involved throughout the session, contributing to discussions and engaging with facilitators in a confident and informed manner.
The event was further graced by the presence of senior county officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Sports for Nandi County, Rose Angira, who arrived slightly later during the session but still had the opportunity to address the participants and contribute to the proceedings. Their presence added value to the engagement and reinforced the county’s commitment to inclusive governance.

4.0 Participation Summary
Participation during the forum was highly interactive and inclusive. Retizen’s ten youth champions
were integrated into various working groups and committees, where they actively contributed to discussions. Notably, their presence filled a significant gap, as there had initially been minimal youth representation at the forum. Their involvement was impactful, as they confidently asked questions,shared perspectives, and provided meaningful contributions that reflected the interests and concerns of young people within the county.

5.0 Key Achievements and Outputs
One of the key achievements of the forum was the formal recognition of Retizen Organization and its youth champions by the Nandi County Government committees. The organization was commended for its efforts in mobilizing and empowering young people to participate in governance processes. Additionally, the youth champions demonstrated exemplary participation, which not only reflected positively on the organization but also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in public forums.Another significant outcome was the commitment expressed by county representatives to support youth-focused initiatives and collaborate with Retizen in future programs aimed at youth development. The engagement also increased awareness among the youth on the importance of
participating in public participation forums as a platform for accessing opportunities and influencingpolicy decisions.

6.0 Challenges and Mitigation
The main challenge encountered was the rainfall experienced prior to the event, which slightly delayed movement and coordination. However, through effective planning and commitment from the team, the delay was managed, and all participants arrived in time for the start of the session. The overall flow of the event was not significantly affected, and activities proceeded smoothly as scheduled.

7.0 Feedback and Observations
Feedback from the county ward committees and other stakeholders was highly positive. Retizen Organization was appreciated and congratulated for its proactive approach in ensuring youth representation. Observations from the forum indicated that youth participation in such engagements remains low, underscoring the importance of continued mobilization and awareness efforts. The active involvement of Retizen’s youth champions served as a strong example of how young people can effectively engage in governance processes when given the opportunity.

8.0 Conclusion
The public participation forum held on 28th April 2026 at Elude Kipchoge Sports Complex was successful and impactful. Retizen Organization’s involvement significantly contributed to enhancing youth representation and participation in the budgeting process. The recognition received, the active engagement of the youth champions, and the commitments made by the county government all point to a positive outcome of the event. The forum reinforced the importance of inclusive participation and highlighted the need to continuously empower young people to take part in shaping development
agendas within their communities.