** Towards a participatory budget management in Kisenso: challenges and opportunities **
*Kinshasa, May 13, 2025 (ACP) .- The municipality of Kisenso, in the heart of the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, marks a turning point in its local governance with the presentation of the 2025 budget by its bourgmestre, Godé Athswel. The initiative is part of a broader movement of decentralization and improvement of transparency in public administration.*
### A participatory approach to the service of public utility
The bourgmestre Athswel underlined the participatory dimension which presided over the development of the budget, a central element of the budgetary policy of the municipality which aspires to transform itself into a healthy entity and generating jobs by 2030. This convergence between the needs of the population and the available resources is both ambitious and necessary, considering the complex socio-economic context of the region.
Indeed, the municipality of Kisenso, like many others across the country, faces challenges such as unhealthiness, insecurity and economic wandering. The emphasis placed on improving the living conditions of agents and the local population testifies to a desire to respond to fundamental issues. However, the implementation of these measures will require continuous vigilance to ensure that promises are reflected in concrete actions.
### Transparency and collaboration: strategic assets
The membership of municipal councilors to the draft budget, demonstrated during the plenary by the president of the municipal council, Edo Katenda, is encouraging. This echoes the spirit of democracy and collaboration that we aspire to promote in local governance. The involvement of revenue generating services and development NGOs is a strong point, because it can allow better allocation and use of resources.
However, it is crucial to question the concrete mechanisms that will frame this transparency. What are the insurances of accountability? How will the populations be informed of the progress made? Effective communication is essential to maintain confidence between elected officials and citizens.
### towards achieving ambitious objectives
Budget forecasts are based on laws governing public finances, a framework which, although solid, must be adapted to local reality. Would the ambition to increase clean revenue sufficient to reduce dependence on external funding, often unstable? The diversification of income sources could prove to be a necessity, as sustainable development efforts must necessarily be articulated around solid financial bases.
In addition, the commitment to protect the environment, in the fight against unsanitary conditions and erosion, deserves to be deepened. What precise strategies will be implemented to raise awareness and involve local actors in these environmental concerns?
### Conclusion: steps forward to consolidate
The presentation of the 2025 budget of the municipality of Kisenso represents an important milestone in local management. If the participatory approach adopted is to be welcomed, it must be accompanied by rigorous follow -up and a desire to adapt to emerging challenges.
The future of Kisenso, for what it aspires to become by 2030, will depend on the continuous commitment of all stakeholders – elected officials, citizens, organizations – working together not only to design policies, but also to implement them effectively and sustainable. The questioning surrounding the possibility of transforming this ambitious vision into reality constitutes a major issue for the future of the town and, by extension, for the Kinshasa region.