Citizen Petition and Participation Act 2016 Effect on Economic Development in Kiambu County, Kenya
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Date
2024-06
Authors
Ainea, Purity Jebor
Moi, Edna
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IAJAH
Abstract
The structure of the county directorate and
budget allocation affects citizen petitions and
participation in the county’s development.
With the increasing population, development
planning is informed by the community's
needs. However, this takes time to happen due
to the existing structures and mechanisms.
This study aimed to explore the effects of the
Citizen Petition and Participation Act, of 2016
on economic development in Kiambu County,
Kenya. The study objectives were; to examine
the specific provisions and components of the
Citizen Petition and Participation Act, 2016 in
Kenya, to investigate how the Citizen Petition
and Participation Act has been implemented
since its enactment, focusing on economic
development decisions, and to determine the
impact of the Act on citizen participation in
the governance of Kiambu County. The
research adopted agency and stakeholder
theories to illustrate the relationship between
the right holders and duty bearers. The study
employed a mixed research design. The study
targeted residents living in Kiambu County.
However, a sample size of 120 respondents
was drawn from the twelve sub-counties with
a balanced sex and gender representation
through, a sampling of key informants. The
study also engaged the directorate of public
participation and, the budget and
implementation committee of the county
assembly. Data collection was done through
the administration of questionnaires and
focused group discussions. Data collected was
coded, analyzed, and presented through tables
and charts. The findings revealed that the
Citizen Petition and Participation Act of 2016
in Kenya encompasses several specific
provisions and components aimed at
promoting citizen engagement in governance
processes. The Act establishes formal
mechanisms for citizens to petition the
government on matters of public concern.
These petitions address a wide range of issues,
including economic development, social
welfare, environmental protection, and
governance reform. From the findings, the
study concluded that the Citizen Petition and
Participation Act has served as a valuable tool
for promoting citizen engagement in
economic development processes within
Kiambu County. The Act has empowered
citizens to voice their concerns, advocate for
their economic priorities, and participate in
decision-making on matters related to
economic development. The County
Government of Kiambu should implement
targeted awareness campaigns and educational
programs to inform citizens about their rights
and the mechanisms available under the
Citizen Petition and Participation Act. This
includes workshops, community forums, and
information sessions aimed at educating
citizens about how they can use the Act to
influence economic development policies and
decisions.
Description
Article
Keywords
Citizen Petition, Participation Act 2016 Effect and Economic Development
Citation
Ainea, P. J., & Moi, E. (2024). Citizen petition and participation Act 2016 effect on economic development in Kiambu County, Kenya. International Academic Journal of Arts and Humanities, 1(4), 205-220.