Ensuring government accountability involves empowering citizens to actively participate in public engagement activities. KELIN advocates for a transparent budgeting process, allowing community members to have a say in decisions that impact their lives. This constitutional requirement, if upheld, can greatly enhance the government’s credibility and foster trust within communities.
KELIN convened a three-day community sensitization training in Mbita Sub-County, focusing on public participation, social audits and the budgeting process. Targeting 450 local residents, the training aimed to enhance social accountability by empowering the community to hold public officials and service providers accountable for the use and delivery of public resources and services.
According to the constitution of Kenya, 2010, public participation is among the key national values and principles of governance that no one should be barred from on matters of national importance and on any grounds. In essence, it increases social accountability and gives power back to the communities by putting them at the center of the decision-making processes.
In her remarks, the Local administration officer, Mrs. Elizabeth Akinyi Gweno stated, “Strong public participation is a constitutional right and a building block in the development of local communities.”
Edwine Nyanja reiterated KELIN’s commitment to engendering human rights approaches in programing, affirming that, “We will continue to capacitate local communities on social accountability in order to hold duty bearers accountable in delivering on their commitments.”
To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platform via @KELINKenya.
For more information please contact,
Edwine Nyanja,
Program Officer- SRHR,
Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV/AIDS (KELIN),
Email: edwinenyanja@kelinkenya.org
A facilitator taking community members through social accountability processes in Mbita- Homabay County.
