Kenya’s Justice Department Begins Legislative Framework For Enhancing Public Participation

By Aoma Keziah

The Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice yesterday officially launched the development process for a legislative framework aimed at strengthening public participation in Kenya’s governance.

This initiative is set to institutionalize citizens’ involvement in policy-making and legislative processes, ensuring that their voices are heard at all levels of government.

The launch event, held at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, brought together key government officials, legal experts, civil society representatives, and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the need for a comprehensive framework. The goal is to provide clear guidelines on how public participation should be conducted to meet the requirements of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

Speaking at the event, Solicitor General Shadrach Mose representing the Attorney General   Dorcas Oduor, emphasized the importance of public engagement in democratic governance.

“Public participation is a cornerstone of democracy. This framework will ensure that the process is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the views of all Kenyans,” he affirmed.

He further noted that the new legislative framework will promote accountability and improve service delivery by encouraging active citizen engagement in decision-making processes.

The Department of Justice highlighted the need for consistent and structured mechanisms that ensure meaningful involvement of all citizens, including marginalized and vulnerable groups. The framework is expected to address existing challenges, such as unclear procedures, inadequate timelines, and limited access to information that often hinder effective public participation.

Once developed, the legislative framework will outline the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including county and national governments, in facilitating public engagement. It will also introduce measures to monitor and evaluate the impact of public contributions on legislation and policy decisions.

The process will involve extensive consultations with the public and key stakeholders in various sectors, including civil society organizations, private entities, and government institutions. The framework is expected to be a game changer in promoting a more participatory and inclusive governance culture in Kenya.

The development of this framework is part of the government’s broader efforts to align with the constitutional mandate of participatory governance and ensure that every Kenyan has a platform to influence decisions that affect their lives.

The legislative framework is expected to be finalized in 2025 after nationwide consultations, and once enacted, it will be a significant step forward in fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the country’s governance processes.