Status of Civic Education, Public Participation and Citizen Engagement in Nairobi County: Study Report 2024
From nairobi.go.ke
Nairobi County Executive Committee Member in charge of Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service Ms. Rosemary Kariuki, on behalf of H.E Governor Sakaja today launched the Civic Education, Public Participation and Citizen Engagement status report that primarily seeks to reconfigure the public participation initiatives in Nairobi and ensure there is adequate and inclusive engagement of the people.
The County in collaboration with Non State Actors began working towards delivering this report last year through a comprehensive research study conducted across various wards, engaging diverse demographics.
The CECM read the Governor’s speech, in which he reflected on governance since 2013, highlighting the shift towards a more responsive and participatory administration. He reiterated the essential role of public participation in holding the government accountable and emphasized his administration’s dedication to its mandate.
“We created a directorate of public participation to streamline and consolidate public participation and civic education in the county. If you want to know what your government is doing, you can get in touch directly with that directorate, and there find the information you need to begin to engage with us—and the help you need to understand it.” she said.
She further stated, “I’m especially proud of digital public participation. In the past there was real difficulty in getting your views heard: at first it was transport, later it was access to email. Especially for a city where most get onto the internet most frequently on our phones, and where the cost of getting online has fallen so quickly, it was imperative to get it done. Again, I’m very proud of what we have done: quite a lot of our public engagement is now easily available without the slightest trouble. You can participate in government in real time—it’s no longer a mysterious spectator sport for older people.”
The County plans to decentralize public participation from the sub counties to the wards to improve accessibility and speed up civic education in the wards to better improve public participation and civic education processes.
Ms. Zipporah Mwangi, County Chief Officer for Public Participation, Citizen Engagement, and Customer Service, as she echoed the words of former 44th U.S. President Barack Obama: “A government that listens to its people is a government that lasts.” reinforced the importance of leadership that actively engages and listens to the public.
“I want to thank all the stakeholders for partnering with the county on this project. This report will lead to meaningful public participation and good governance where citizens have genuine opportunity to influence decisions on matters that concern them both negatively and positively.”
She also cited Governor Sakaja’s grassroots engagement, such as his direct interactions with mothers in informal settlements, which led to the initiation of the ‘Dish na County’ school feeding program. “Let me say that deliberate involvement of the citizens in all affairs that concern them is only a rational recognition that they mostly understand their needs and possible solutions.”
The Director for Public participation Mr. Patrick Anga’sa said, “this report will provide a roadmap for enhancing public participation, thereby contributing to the overall development and prosperity of Nairobi. Our aim is to make public participation, civic education and citizen engagement more efficient, inclusive, and meaningful for all citizens.”
Other notable milestones from the study report is the inclusion of voices from refugee communities and children, one of its kind and first to happen in the entire country. The sector is currently developing a framework to ensure children’s participation in public forums is fully implemented.
The County Executive was accompanied by Chief Officers: Mr. Bram Simiyu, Disaster Management, Ms. Maryam Dahir, Gender and Inclusivity, Mr. George Mutiso, Cooperatives and Ms. Amina Mohammed, wellness, nutrition and school. Director Mr. Benjamin kimolo,Ms Stella Kemunto Deputy director culture and Assistant Director Mr. Joseph Kamau.
Among the stakeholders who committed to this project include World Vision Kenya, Pamoja Trust, UDPK, International Rescue Committee, CARE Kenya Geospatial Synthesis, URAIA Trust, County Governance Watch (CGW), Kenya Alliance of Residential Associations (KARA), Mzalendo Trust, Kenya Paraplegic Organization (KPO),
Civic Voices, Ecumenical Center for Justice and Peace, Katiba Institute, Center for Economic Governance, Remusi Housing Cooperative and the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
The event was also attended by Directors of Public Participation from Machakos, Siaya, Vihiga, Mandera and Nyandarua County, underscoring Nairobi’s significance as a benchmark for other counties.