A bill currently before Parliament seeks to codify minimum standards for public participation across all levels of government, responding to years of complaints that consultation exercises are often perfunctory.
What the Bill Would Require
- Minimum notice periods before public participation forums
- Publication of draft legislation in accessible formats, including local languages
- A requirement that government bodies publish how public input shaped final decisions
The bill draws directly on criticism of the 2024 Finance Bill process, when many Kenyans said their submissions were not meaningfully considered before the bill reached its final reading.
Where It Stands
The bill has passed its first reading and is currently before a joint committee, with public hearings expected before the next parliamentary session.
