An analysis of communication frameworks for Public Participation in selected County Governments in Kenya

Abstract

The implementation of public participation, a key objective of devolution, has become contentious and polarizing process. It remains unclear how county governments have operationalized and institutionalized public participation as a fundamental principle and value of governance. As the level of government closest to citizens, counties provide an ideal forum for participatory democracy to thrive. This can be achieved through the adoption of comprehensive communication strategies that facilitate citizen-centred engagement, ultimately enhancing the quality of decision making outcomes. While many counties have taken steps to establish structured mechanisms for public interest information exchange among stakeholders, the extent of their influence remains largely unclear. This study aimed to analyze county communication architecture as a strategic pathway and tool for public participation in Kenya‟s devolved governments. It focused on four key research objectives: to identify communication frameworks implemented at the county level that facilitate meaningful public participation; to evaluate the effectiveness of county communication frameworks in achieving devolution objectives; to examine the opportunities and challenges in implementing public participation in decentralized governments and; to analyze the constitutional and legal framework that guides public participation in devolved governments in Kenya. The study was conducted in the counties of Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, Kwale, Makueni, Marsabit, Meru, Narok and Nairobi, each representing respective regional economic bloc. The anchor theoretical framework was Functional group communication theory and deliberative democracy theory, both emphasizing the role of communication in ensuring effective decision making. The study sample consisted of 26 respondents purposely chosen for their role in public participation, communication, and county governance. The participants were drawn from the council of governors, county assemblies forum, sub county administrators, county directors of communication, and community based organizations. Data was collected through document analysis and in-depth interviews. The generated data was analyzed thematically and presented in a narrative form. The findings revealed that: there is a general normative communication framework provided under the County Government Act for each county to model own communication approach; county communication strategies as applied have not delivered intended communication objectives; many opportunities exist for county residents to participate in governance; public participation is undermined by social, economic, communication, cultural, political and behavioral factors; the constitution and relevant legal provisions firmly establishes public participation as a fundamental value and principle of governance. The study recommends that county governments should ensure communication and information is available and accessible to all citizens, strengthen their communication fundamentals, and actualize participation as the law provides and within established standards, norms and best practices.