National & county level • Republic of Kenya understand how laws are made, know your constitutional rights, and learn how to raise your voice in public participation.
Introduction
Government citizen relations are about the interactions between government and citizens in a democracy. In Kenya, government operates at national and county levels, with citizens relating to government as individuals or through organized groups such as civil society organizations (CSOs).
Enhance public awareness and understanding of how Parliament legislates.
Outline the legal framework for participation in law and policy formulation.
Explain the mandate of Parliament and its legislative functions.
Explain the stages of law and policy formulation.
Identify the spaces and tools for participation.
Illustrate how to track bills in Parliament.
Legislative Powers
Kenya's government operates through three arms: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. The Legislature Parliament at the national level and County Assemblies at the county level holds the power to make laws.
Legal Framework for Participation
Public participation is a fundamental principle of democracy, premised on the idea that all citizens are equally entitled to have a say in decisions that affect their lives and rights.
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All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and shall be exercised only in accordance with the Constitution.
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National values and principles of governance bind all state organs including good governance, inclusiveness, democracy, transparency, accountability, and public participation.
118
Parliament must conduct its business in an open manner and facilitate public participation in its legislative and other business.
119
Every person has the right to petition Parliament to consider any matter within its authority.
Results in better outcomes and governance.
Citizens develop long term capacity to solve societal issues.
Decisions are made with comprehensive information.
Improves the relationship between the public and decision makers.
National Law Making Process
The National Assembly exercises its legislative power through Bills passed by the House and assented to by the President.
The Bill is introduced and assigned to a committee. The committee facilitates public participation through appropriate mechanisms.
The merits and demerits of the Bill are debated, including its principles, objects and potential effects on the citizenry.
The committee report is presented to the House and voted upon. Members may move for re committal if needed.
The Bill is read with all amendments and given final approval by the legislative body.
The President has 14 days to either assent to the Bill or refer it back with reservations.
County Law Making Process
Tools for Participation
Staying informed is the first step to being heard. Here's where to follow Kenya's legislative activity.
The official government publication containing notices of new legislation and policy announcements.
Visit Kenya GazetteAccess National Assembly and Senate proceedings, hansard records, and committee invitations.
Visit Parliament SiteFollow @MzalendoWatch, @NAssemblyKE, and @Senate_KE for updates on legislative activities.
Check all three handles
Ways to Get Involved
Four practical ways you can take part in the law making process.
Written reports prepared to give information about particular matters. Notices are published in the Kenya Gazette and newspapers with clear submission deadlines.
Open hearings where citizens offer comments before legislative decisions. They provide face to face engagement with MPs.
Two way communication designed to keep concerned parties engaged. Stakeholders are invited with sufficient preparation time.
The constitutional right under Article 119 to petition Parliament on any matter within its authority.
Must be in English or Kiswahili using respectful language.
Must be addressed to the House with the subject matter indicated.
Must contain the names, addresses, IDs, and signatures of the petitioners.
Must conclude with a clear and respectful prayer.
Must indicate any prior efforts to address the matter.
Republic of Kenya • National & County Level
Download the full guide and keep it handy next time a Bill is open for public participation.
Download Guide (PDF)