Public participation is the process where individuals, governmental and non-governmental groups influence decision making in policy, legislation, service delivery, oversight and development matters.

It is a two-way interactive process where the duty bearer communicates information in a transparent and timely manner, engages the public in decision making and is responsive and accountable to their needs.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 recognizes Public Participation as a pillar in the governance processes. The County Government Act 2012 provides for the role of Public Participation in governance, legislative process, formulation and implementation of county policies, laws and regulations where timely access to information, protection and promotion of the interest and rights of the minorities, marginalized groups and communities is key. Therefore The County policy framework on citizen participation is anchored in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and relevant Acts of parliament particularly the County Government Act 2012 among others.

The Kisii county government acknowledges and values the contributions of the public in achieving its service delivery, developmental and strategic objectives.

Section 87 of the County government Act states the principles of citizen participation. These principles include;

• Timely access to information, data, documents, and other information relevant to policy formulation and implementation;
• Reasonable access to the process of formulating and implementing policies, laws, and regulations, including the approval of development proposals, projects and budgets, the granting of permits and the establishment of specific performance standards;
• Protection and promotion of the interest and rights of minorities, marginalised groups and communities and their access to relevant information;
• Legal standing to interested or affected persons, organizations, and where pertinent, communities, to appeal from or, review decisions, or redress grievances, with particular emphasis on persons and traditionally marginalized communities, including women, youth, and disadvantaged communities;
• Reasonable balance in the roles and obligations of county governments and non-state actors in decision-making processes to promote shared responsibility and partnership, and to provide complementary authority and oversight;
• Promotion of public-private partnerships, such as joint committees, technical teams, and citizen commissions, to encourage direct dialogue and concerted action on sustainable development; and
• Recognition and promotion of the reciprocal roles of non-state actors’ participation and governmental facilitation and oversight.

Principals of Public Participation

Public participation is based on the following broad principles;

1. Accessibility: Timely access to information, data, documents and other information relevant or related to policy formulation, implementation and oversight.
2. Accountability: The assumption by all the participants in a participatory process of full responsibility for their individual actions and conduct as well as a willingness and commitment to implement, abide by and communicate as necessary all measures and decisions in the course of the process;
3. Transparency: Promoting openness, sincerity and honesty among all the role players in a participatory process;
4. Flexibility: The ability to make room for change for the benefit of the participatory process. Flexibility is often required in respect of timing and methodology. If built into the participatory processes upfront, this principle allows for adequate public involvement, realistic management of costs, expectations, priorities and challenges for better ability to manage the quality of the output.
5. Inclusivity: Embracing all views and opinions in the process of community participation.
6. Integration: That public participation processes are mainstreamed into policies and services.
7. Diversity: In a public participation process, it is important to understand the differences associated with race, gender, religion, ethnicity, language, age, economic status and sexual orientation. These differences should be allowed to emerge and where appropriate, ways sought to develop a consensus. Planning processes must build on this diversity.
8. Trust, Commitment and Respect: Above all, trust is required in a public participatory process. Trust is used to refer to faith and confidence in the integrity, sincerity, honesty and ability of the process and those facilitating the process.
9. Reasonable access to the process of formulating and implementing policies, laws, and regulations including the approval of development proposals, projects and budgets, the granting of permits and the establishment of specific performance standards.
10. Protection and promotion of the interests and rights of minorities, marginalized groups and communities and their access to relevant information.
11. Legal standing of interested or affected persons, organizations, and where pertinent, community to appeal from or, review decision or redress grievances with particular emphasis on persons and traditionally marginalized communities, including women, youth, and disadvantaged communities.
12. Reasonable balance in the roles and obligations of county governance and non-state actors in decision making processes, partnerships, and to provide complementary authority and oversight.
13. Promotion of Public-Private Partnerships, such as joint committees, technical teams and citizen committees to encourage direct dialogue and concerted actions on sustainable development.
14. Recognition and promotion of the reciprocal roles of non-state actors’ participation and governmental facilitation and oversight.