Enhance public participation and civic engagement (KENMS0004)

Commitment ID

KENMS0004

Commitment Title

Enhance public participation and civic engagement by establishing structured, inclusive, and accessible mechanisms for citizen involvement in governance.

Problem

Low public participation in governance, leading to poor policy decisions, weak accountability, and reduced citizen trust.

Key issues include:
- Limited Legal and Institutional Framework – While the Nairobi Public Participation Act exists, it lacks clear regulations and guidelines, making implementation inconsistent across departments.
- Low Public Engagement Levels – Current participation forums are conducted at the sub-county level excluding many residents, especially those in informal settlements and marginalized groups. On average, only 0.18% of the population participates in public forums.
- Inaccessible & Ineffective Communication Channels – Lack of digital participation platforms, poor outreach, and inaccessible materials for persons with disabilities limit citizen engagement.
- Weak Coordination Between Government and Non-State Actors – There is no structured mechanism for civil society organizations (CSOs) and the private sector to engage with the county government, reducing opportunities for collaboration.

Status quo

Public participation in Nairobi City County is currently weak and inconsistent, limiting citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability in governance.

- Low Public Participation Rates – Only 0.18% of the population attends public forums, which are mainly held at the sub-county level, making them inaccessible to many residents, especially those in marginalized areas.
- Lack of Clear Regulations – Although the Nairobi Public Participation Act exists, it lacks operational guidelines, leading to unstructured and inconsistent implementation across departments.
- Inaccessible Platforms for Engagement – Public forums are not widely advertised, digital participation options are, and materials are not accessible for persons with disabilities (e.g., no Braille, sign language, or large-print materials).
- Weak Coordination Between Government and Stakeholders – There is no structured mechanism CSOs, private sector, and community organizations to engage with the government, limiting collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Action

Strengthening public participation and civic engagement by implementing structured, inclusive, and accessible mechanisms for citizen involvement in governance.

Key actions include:
- Develop and Implement Public Participation Regulations – Establish clear guidelines and frameworks to operationalize the Nairobi Public Participation Act, ensuring uniform implementation across all county departments.
- Expand Public Participation Forums to the Ward Level – Shift from sub-county to ward-level engagements to increase accessibility and citizen involvement, particularly in marginalized areas.
- Develop Digital and Physical Participation Platforms – Create online portals, mobile-friendly engagement tools, and digital consultations, while ensuring physical forums remain accessible to all communities.
- Improve Accessibility for Marginalized Groups – Provide Braille, sign language interpretation, and large-print materials to ensure inclusivity for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
- Strengthen Coordination with Civil Society and Private Sector – Establish a multi-stakeholder engagement framework, mapping CSOs, private sector actors, and community groups to ensure collaborative governance.
- Enhance Civic Education and Awareness – Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to engage in governance.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

This commitment will increase citizen participation, improve transparency, and enhance accountability by institutionalizing structured, inclusive, and accessible engagement mechanisms in Nairobi City County.

Expected Outputs:
- Public Participation Regulations Implemented – Clear guidelines operationalizing the Nairobi Public Participation Act
- Ward-Level Participation Forums Established – At least 85 ward-level forums annually for wider citizen involvement
- Digital Public Engagement Platforms Launched – Online portal and mobile tools for remote participation.
- Accessible Public Engagement Materials – Government documents in Braille, large print, and sign language formats.
- Multi-Stakeholder Coordination Framework – Formalized collaboration with CSOs, private sector, and communities.
- Civic Education Campaigns Conducted – Programs to educate citizens on governance participation.

Expected Outcomes:
- Higher Public Participation Rates – More citizens involved in governance, exceeding engagement.
- Stronger Transparency & Accountability – Citizens monitor budgeting, policies, and service delivery Greater Inclusivity: Youth, women, and persons with disabilities gain better access to civic participation.
- Improved Citizen-Government Relations – More structured engagement fosters trust and responsiveness.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment aligns with Strategic Goal 3 of Nairobi City County’s Open Government Strategy:
"Enhance inclusive public participation and civic engagement to strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen trust in governance."

How This Commitment Supports the Long-Term Goal:
- Institutionalizing Public Participation – Establishes clear regulations and structured processes to make civic engagement a permanent feature of governance
- Expanding Access &Inclusivity – Ensures marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making.
- Leveraging Technology for Engagement– Digital platforms provide remote participation options, making civic engagement more accessible and efficient
- Strengthening Citizen-Government Collaboration – Creates a formalized multi-stakeholder framework, improving coordination between government, CSOs, and the private sector.
- Sustaining Public Trust & Accountability – Encourages ongoing dialogue between citizens and government, ensuring that governance remains transparent, responsive, and participatory.

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Inclusion

Primary Sector

Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?