The Influence Of Public Participation On Public Accountability In Kenya

Abstract

In the world over, there is an increasing recognition for the centrality of public participation in ensuring effective public accountability. Direct citizen participation in identification of community needs, development planning, preparation of budget and its validation, implementation of development projects, as well as monitoring and evaluation has now become an essential ingredient in governance matters as a means of ensuring accountability. Even though a lot of research has been done on how public participation influences public accountability, one area has been conspicuously left out; why an increase in public participation has not led to an increase in public participation in many areas of the world. This study sought to answer this question. To achieve this, the study used public policy petitions and public forums as sub constructs of public participation. Hence the study sought to answer the specific questions why an increase in the number of public forums being held has not led to an increase in public accountability and why an increase in public policy petitions has not led to increased public accountability. The study adopted a descriptive case study research design as the methodology of the study. Data was obtained from both primary sources, that is, questionnaires and interview guides, as well as secondary sources, that is, from the Kitui county website, and Office of Auditor General. The study findings showed systemic gaps in the process of public participation that had an effect on the product of the public participation and consequently compromising on public accountability. Specifically there were gaps on civic education, lack of public participation Act, public forum communication gaps, among others. The study concludes by recommending that public forums should be held in accordance with the constitutional and legislative requirements for public participation, and also that the county needs to develop a public participation and civic education Act. The study gives suggestions for further study to broaden the sphere of knowledge in this scholarly area of research, specifically on other mechanisms of public participation that were not covered in this study.