Kenya; The European Union has released Sh3 billion for implementation of laws that deal with citizen participation in Kenya.
The funds have been channelled into the country through three projects; Instruments for Devolution Advice and Support, Successful Devolution in Isiolo and Kisumu and Enabling Evolved Governance through Inclusive and Systematic Citizen Participation.
According to EU Programme Manager on Trade Sunita Kapila, the projects will boost the Government's efforts to ensure full implementation of the devolution process as outlined in the Constitution.
The Catholic Organisation for Relief and Development and Concern Worldwide will implement the three-year projects aimed at promoting public participation in the devolution process in collaboration with other non-state actors.
A recent study by the University of Nairobi indicated that over 80 per cent of Kenyans do not participate in decision-making processes, including budgeting. However, Kapila, who led the EU delegation to Kenya in launching the projects in Kisumu over the weekend, said the projects target to have 50 per cent of Kenyans actively involved in governance and decision making by 2018.
READ MORE
Absentee governors have betrayed our devolution dream
In Kakuma and Kalobeyei, integration means dignity, jobs and basic services
Rubio visits Trump's 'friend' Orban ahead of Hungary polls
Kenya's horticulture exporters turn to new markets as EU tighten rules
"As you all know, under devolution, citizens must proactively engage with those who hold political offices. The projects will make a valuable contribution towards empowering the citizens' capacity to do that," said Kapila.
Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma called on the public to use the projects to effectively benefit so as to avoid being misled by politicians on the state of development.
