Public participation is a cornerstone of democracy and involves the active involvement of citizens in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. MyVoice aims to enhance public understanding of the legislative process and the importance of public involvement.
Public participation is foundational to democracy, ensuring that all citizens have a say in government decisions. It is a constitutional principle in Kenya, grounded in Articles 1, 10, 35, 118, 119, 124, 201, 221, and 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, as well as the Petitions to Parliament (Procedure) Act, No. 22 of 2012, and the National Assembly Standing Orders. It ranges from simply informing people about parliamentary activities to delegating decision-making power to the public.
Benefits of Public Participation
- Empowering citizens
- Generating diverse and innovative ideas
- Enhancing citizen-government relations
- Legitimation of government programs
- Appropriate prioritization of projects
- Improved delivery of public services
- Increased government responsiveness
Principles of effective public participation
- Be a continuous process and not a one-time event.
- Provide timely and relevant information, accessible all members of the public so they are aware and can engage in decisions that affect them.
- Effective public participation demands attention is given to inclusion and equity so that all groups—women and men of all ages, from marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities are engaged and their needs expressed and considered.
Process of Public Participation in Law Making
When a Bill is introduced in Parliament, it is referred to the relevant committee.
The committee then seeks public views on the Bill through advertisements in the media.
1. Public Involvement
Citizens are encouraged to participate by submitting their views on the Bill.
This can be done through written submissions, memoranda, or appearances before the committee.
2. Committee Engagement
The committee may organize public forums and hearings to gather diverse opinions and insights from stakeholders.
These forums provide an opportunity for direct interaction between Members of Parliament and the public.
3. Compilation of Views
The committee compiles the views and suggestions received from the public.
These inputs are considered during the deliberation and refinement of the Bill.
4. Report Preparation
The committee prepares a report that includes the public’s contributions and the committee’s recommendations.
This report is tabled in Parliament for further debate and consideration.
5. Final Decision
The refined Bill, along with the committee’s report, is debated by the full House.
Members of Parliament may propose further amendments based on the public’s feedback before the Bill is put to a vote.
The County Wards (Equitable Development) Bill, 2024
The goals of this Bill are to ensure all areas within counties develop fairly, involve locals in project decisions, spread out government functions and services, and share resources evenly. The criteria for resource allocation must be approved by the county assembly and will be valid for a period determined by the assembly.
Objectives of the Bill
- Promote equitable development across all wards.
- Involve residents in identifying priority projects.
- Decentralize functions and services efficiently.
- Ensure equitable resource sharing.
- Encourage citizen-led development for better planning.
Guiding Principles
- Promoting social and economic development.
- Upholding the principles of devolution.
- Adhering to national values and governance principles.
Notable Points
- Public Participation: Emphasis on involving residents in project selection to ensure the community’s needs are met.
- Resource Allocation: At least 60% of the county’s development budget must be allocated to ward projects, ensuring significant investment in local development.
- Accountability and Oversight: Regular reporting and maintenance of records are required to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
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