STRENGTHENING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION THROUGH A ROBUST INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Why Public Participation Matters

Public participation is not just a democratic right it’s a foundation of good governance, accountability, and inclusive development. For any county government to deliver services effectively and meet the needs of its people, citizens must have a voice in how decisions are made. Recognizing this, our county has developed a well-defined institutional framework to ensure that public participation is not only a policy priority but also a reality on the ground.

This blog explores the key players in this framework, their roles and responsibilities, and the strategies that will bring this vision to life.

Understanding the Institutional Framework: Who’s Responsible and How It Will Happen

The county government’s approach to public participation is grounded in shared responsibility. Every stakeholder has a role from government departments to community members. Here's how the framework is structured:

Who’s Responsible and How It Will Happen

Public participation is no longer a side note in governance it’s a central pillar. To make it work, the county has established an institutional framework supported by actionable strategies. This blog walks you through how different players both within and outside government will collaborate to bring this vision to life

The county’s approach is to leverage its institutional structure as outlined in the public participation policy. Each stakeholder has a clearly defined role. Here’s a clear look at who’s doing what, and how it’s all going to happen.

The County Executive Committee (CEC) plays a central role in providing political leadership and policy direction. Its responsibilities include approving budgetary allocations for public participation, ensuring inter-departmental coordination, and overseeing the establishment of public participation structures. The County Executive Committee Member for Public Service and County Administration takes the lead here.

Meanwhile, County Government Departments are tasked with operationalizing public participation activities. They will designate decentralized units as information access points, conduct civic education programs, and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The Department of Public Service and Administration will lead this effort.

Next in line are Non-State Actors (NSAs) whose role is to support resource mobilization and civic education. Their responsibilities include mobilizing communities for participation forums, providing advisory services on public participation, and monitoring and reporting on implementation progress. These registered organizations take the lead in facilitating broader community engagement.

And of course, at the heart of this framework are the Citizens. Their role is to actively participate in governance processes by attending public participation forums, providing feedback and proposals, and monitoring and evaluating county projects. This effort will be guided by community leaders and citizen forums.

Development Partners also have a significant role. They are expected to provide financial and technical support, fund civic education and capacity-building programs, and support infrastructure development for public participation. Both international and local development agencies will lead this area.

Finally, Media outlets, both local and national, have the responsibility of disseminating information and raising public awareness. Their tasks include publicizing public participation events and outcomes and monitoring and reporting on policy implementation. They serve as the vital bridge between government and the public.

How Implementation Will Roll Out

The framework doesn’t stop at assigning roles it’s backed by clear implementation strategies based on nine policy areas.

To start with, Access to Information will be addressed by establishing information hubs at ward and sub-county levels. This will happen within six months of policy adoption, supported by a budget for ICT infrastructure, staff training, and communication materials. The Department of Public Service and Administration will lead, with the expected outcome being increased citizen access to timely and accurate information.

In the area of Civic Education, a county-specific curriculum will be developed in collaboration with the Kenya National Integrated Civic Education (KNICE) program. This is scheduled within nine months and will be funded through curriculum development grants, trainer allowances, and community outreach. The Department of Public Service and Administration, along with NSAs, will take the lead. The goal? Enhanced public awareness and active participation in governance.

To ensure financial sustainability, the county will ensure Funding for Public Participation by allocating a minimum of 2% of its annual budget to these activities starting in FY 2025/2026. This will be facilitated by the County Treasury and CEC and will also involve partnerships with development partners.

For better coordination, a Public Participation Coordination Unit will be established under the Department of Public Service and Administration within three months. With resources allocated for staff recruitment, office setup, and operations, the County Executive Committee Member for Public Service will ensure smooth and streamlined coordination among stakeholders.

Capacity building is another key area. Training will be conducted for county staff and community leaders to strengthen their ability to facilitate public engagement. This will be an ongoing process, starting within six months, supported by funding for training materials, facilitator fees, and venues. The Department of Public Service and Administration and NSAs will lead the process, aiming to boost technical skills in public participation.

A proper Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework will also be developed. This will include clear indicators and log frames, rolled out within 12 months, with resources dedicated to M&E tools, staff training, and data collection. Again, the Department of Public Service and Administration will lead, ensuring that public participation outcomes are measured and continuously improved.

Reporting and Feedback Mechanisms are being enhanced through the implementation of a digital platform for citizens to share feedback and access reports. This platform will be developed within 18 months, supported by investments in ICT infrastructure, software, and awareness campaigns. The Department of Public Service and Administration and the Media will collaborate to ensure a transparent and responsive system.

To ensure grievances are handled efficiently, Complaints and Redress Mechanisms will be set up. A county-level complaints desk will be established and integrated with national bodies like the Commission on Administrative Justice. This will happen within nine months, with funding for office setup, staff, and outreach. The County Attorney’s Office and the Department of Public Service will be responsible, making the grievance process accessible and effective.

Finally, the county is committed to Mainstreaming Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities in public participation. Stakeholder mapping will be conducted to identify and engage marginalized groups, with this process completed within six months. The initiative will be funded through mapping exercises and targeted outreach programs, led by the Department of Public Service and Administration in collaboration with NSAs. The ultimate goal is to ensure truly inclusive participation.

Participation Is Everyone’s Responsibility

This institutional framework is more than a structure it’s a commitment to making governance more inclusive, transparent, and citizen-driven. But for it to succeed, everyone must play their part. Whether you’re a policymaker, a community leader, a journalist, or an everyday citizen, your voice and your actions matter. With defined roles for every stakeholder and a clear roadmap for implementation, this policy lays the groundwork for meaningful public involvement at every level. Let’s work together to build a county where public participation is not a formality, but a foundation for progress.

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