Participatory Communication and Policy Formulation in Kenya a study of Nairobi County Public Finance Bill 2019

Abstract

The study examines how participatory communication was done on formulation of Public Finance Bill 2019 by Nairobi County Government. The major aim is to understand whether participatory communication in policy formulation is collaborative, engaging and the public input is sought in all stages in accordance to the constitution of Kenya 2010. Article 118(1)(b) and 196(1) of the Constitution calls for Meaningful Public participation at both National and County Government levels. The study utilized explanatory sequential Mixed Method research methodology. Business, organizations, Special Interest groups, lobby groups and policy implementers who participated in Public Finance Bill 2019 comprised the study population. The quantitative data was obtained from the documents reviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In addition, qualitative data was generated from a sample of 10 participants who participated in the formulation of public finance Bill 2019 and respondents on the Nairobi County governments. Further, Qualitative data derived from County government respondents’ key informants was transcribed and arranged into meaningful themes which were coded for content analysis. The data collected informed the findings of the study and conclusions were made based on the findings on the process of formulation of Public Finance Bill 2019. The findings show that participatory Communication is a concept that is not fully understood and comprehend by the public Institutions and there is little influence of organizations and groups inputs on Bill formulation process. Additionally, in as much as convectional media especially Newspaper Notice adverts played role in informing organizations and groups that participated on the Public participation events, it was not the most effective media channel for communication. Interpersonal form of Communication played a key role on information dissemination to targeted Organizations and groups during policy formulation process. The study recommends training of County Government Officials and organizations and self-help groups involved in policy formulation process on what constitute quality public participation process in order to formulate better policies. Similarly, there is need for additional resources to Public Institutions to support public participation process as well as passage and enactment of laws and policy guidelines that enhance the public participation process.