The National Assembly has promised that all views collected during the on-going public participation exercise on the Finance Bill of 2023 will be factored in the budget making process.
The Assembly said that public participation was entrenched in the constitution adding that information gathered during the exercise was critical in decision making.
This came as it emerged that Kenya was among the top countries globally that had embraced public participation in decision making and enactment of the law.
According to the Leader of Majority in Parliament Kimani Ichung’wa, the on-going discussions on the Finance Bill were critical as it gave voters a chance to air their views.
He, however, questioned some of the deliberations terming them as ignorant as some of the people had not read and understood the Finance Bill.
“Public participation is critical in making laws in the country and all views presented in the on-going budget making process will be fully considered,” said the legislator.
Ichung’wa was speaking in Naivasha during the opening of the 3rd Annual National Parliamentary Symposium where he represented House Speaker Moses Wetangula.
He said that public participation was a fundamental aspect of a democratic society, as it ensured that citizens had a voice in decision-making processes that affected their lives.
“Parliament has taken steps to implement various mechanisms to facilitate public participation in legislative processes,” he said.
He said that it was essential to create an environment that encouraged genuine dialogue where the inputs provided were not only considered but also effectively incorporated into the decision-making process.
Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana noted that public participation had a major impact in decision making mainly in development projects in the grassroots.
He said that there was more that needed to be done while noting that in some cases views presented before various committees were not implemented.
Kivutha identified politicians as critical in decision making adding the country should consider changing the manner it was conducting the exercise for it to be more effective.
“Politicians are very active during campaigns on how to implement various projects but the vigour dies when they are elected and this should change,” he said.
The Chair, Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPTC) Rachel Ameso wondered who took care of those who made time to prepare and present their views.
“Public participation is crucial in decision making and the debate around the controversial Finance Bill is timely as it will give the electorate a chance to air their views,” she said.
