Active Public Participation: A Crucial Element for Accountable Governance in Kenya

By Hannah Kigamba

In recent years, Kenya has seen a surge in policies and plans implemented by both national and county governments. While some of these initiatives aim to spur economic growth, improve infrastructure, or boost agricultural productivity, many others have had a direct negative impact on ordinary citizens. For example, sudden policy shifts on land use, new tax policies, and inadequate public consultations on key decisions have left communities bearing the brunt of poorly planned and executed strategies. As a Kenyan, and a person deeply concerned with the future of my country, I believe the missing link in our governance is active public participation.

Why Public Participation Matters; Public participation is not just a box-ticking exercise. It is a fundamental aspect of democracy that enables citizens to voice their concerns, provide insights, and influence decisions that directly affect their lives. It ensures that the aspirations, needs, and rights of all Kenyans are taken into consideration. When this participation is absent or ignored, it leads to policies that are detached from the reality of those they are supposed to benefit, resulting in distrust, unrest, and increased inequality.

Current Challenges in Kenya ; We have witnessed several instances in recent years where the public's voice has been largely disregarded. Take, for example, the awarding of management contracts for key airports to private entities like the Adani Group, which sparked public outcry due to perceived lack of transparency and consultation with local stakeholders. Concerns were raised over the impact on job security, operational control, and potential monopolization of strategic public assets.

Another instance is the planned privatization of key public services, where the government’s decision-making process lacked sufficient public input and was met with significant opposition from civil society and labor unions. The absence of a participatory approach has heightened fears of job losses, reduced public oversight, and increased costs for essential services.

Similarly, the sudden push to transform the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) into the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) has generated confusion and anxiety among citizens due to limited public awareness and inadequate consultations. The shift has raised concerns over increased costs, accessibility of health services, and its impact on vulnerable groups.

These examples illustrate a worrying trend of policies being passed without genuine engagement, leading to resistance, mistrust, and disillusionment among the very citizens they claim to serve.

The Need for Change: Citizens Must Rise to the Challenge;As Kenyans, we need to actively reclaim our space in governance. We cannot afford to remain passive observers while decisions that shape our future are made behind closed doors. Here are a few ways we can amplify our voices and ensure that our participation counts:

1. Stay Informed and Engage: Being aware of what is happening around us is the first step. We must read, ask questions, and share information with others. Let’s scrutinize the laws, policies, and plans being proposed. Joining local forums, community groups, and participating in barazas (community meetings) will ensure we are not left behind in these conversations.
2. Hold Leaders Accountable: Accountability starts with us. We must demand regular updates from our elected leaders and challenge them when they fail to represent our interests. Social media can be a powerful tool to highlight governance issues, but we must also take advantage of formal platforms like public hearings and written submissions.
3. Build Collective Action: There is power in numbers. When communities come together to express their concerns, leaders are compelled to listen. We can support initiatives by civil society organizations, sign petitions, and even peacefully protest when our voices are ignored. Advocacy is stronger when it is a collective effort.
4. Participate in Policy-Making Processes: The Kenyan Constitution and legal frameworks provide numerous opportunities for citizens to be involved in policy-making, from public participation sessions to submitting opinions on draft policies. We should make use of these avenues and insist on transparency in these processes.

A Call to Action; I am personally committed to championing active public participation because I believe that the only way to ensure accountable governance is by making our voices heard. We cannot afford to be silent while policies that negatively impact our communities are passed. Let’s make a collective commitment to hold our leaders accountable, challenge decisions that do not represent us, and contribute to the formulation of policies that will truly benefit Kenyans. It is time for every Kenyan to rise, speak up, and demand a seat at the table. By doing so, we will not only shape policies that work for us but also safeguard the future of our beloved country. Kenya’s prosperity lies not in the hands of a few leaders but in the collective actions of its people.

Together, let’s create the Kenya we want to see—one where every voice counts.