CAF Advocates for Stronger and Inclusive Public Participation Framework.

The CAF delegation, led by Hon. Kevin Kinengo Katisya on behalf of the CAF Chairperson Hon. Seth Mwatela Kamanza, Speaker of the Kwale County Assembly, appeared before the Committee to present the Forum’s memorandum on the proposed legislation. The delegation also included Hon. Abdille Yussuf Mohamed, Speaker of the Wajir County Assembly, Hon. Milton Boaz Omukunda, and Hon. Abdulhakim Shehe.
In its presentation, CAF strongly supported establishing a national framework to provide clear, consistent standards for public participation nationwide, noting that meaningful citizen engagement remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and successful devolution.
Among the proposals advanced by the Forum were the need for mandatory budgetary allocation towards civic education, accessibility support, and facilitation of public participation processes. CAF also called for stronger provisions promoting the use of local dialects and plain language to ensure broader inclusivity and understanding among citizens.

Further, the Forum emphasized the importance of making multi-channel engagement mandatory, including the use of traditional and community-based approaches, in order to reach citizens more effectively and encourage wider participation in governance processes. CAF also advocated for retaining the Clerk of the County Assembly as the responsible authority for public participation within county assemblies, stressing the importance of safeguarding institutional autonomy within the devolved system.
The engagement reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to strengthening frameworks that ensure citizens are not only consulted, but genuinely heard in decision-making processes affecting their communities.
As Kenya continues to deepen devolution, CAF maintains that effective public participation remains essential in promoting accountability, transparency, and responsive governance across all levels of government