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The county government of Machakos has been urged to enact policies that support the growth of community based organisations (CBOs) in order to speed up development in rural areas.

Upper Manza CBO Chairman Nicholas Kyalo said CBOs were in a better position to fight poverty and spur development within communities if properly empowered by the government.

Kyalo who spoke as the CBO headquarters, which marked its 20 years in operation said the organisation had achieved a lot in the area of water distribution within the Tala community in Matungulu sub-county as well as empowering members through table banking, offering catering services among other life transforming initiatives.

“We started our community organisation in 2004 because of the problems that affect communities such as lack of water, poor road networks and poverty among others,” said Kyalo yesterday during a meeting with members at Katine Village in Matungulu Sub-county.

He said most community groups faced the challenge of sustainability as they lacked long-term plans to guide their operations.

Kyalo said his organisation was willing to offer guidance and training to upcoming CBOs on how to establish long term plans.