Malindi, Kenya| Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Parliament to expedite the enactment of the Public Participation Bill 2024, aimed at creating a more structured and cost-effective mechanism for citizen involvement in governance.
Speaking during an Iftar dinner at a Malindi hotel, Mudavadi emphasized the need to streamline public participation processes to curb excessive costs and avoid unnecessary litigation.
The event, organized by the Malindi Education Development Association (MEDA), brought together various leaders and members of the Muslim community.
Among those in attendance were National Assembly Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya, Garsen MP Ali Wario Guyo, and other dignitaries.
The Cost Burden of Public Participation
Mudavadi highlighted the financial strain imposed by the current approach to public participation, noting that Kenya spends billions of shillings annually on these exercises, thereby delaying legislation and hindering the implementation of government programs.
“It is important as a country to uphold public participation because it is enshrined in the Constitution. I, therefore, appeal to our MPs to pass the Public Participation Bill to make the process more efficient,” Mudavadi stated.
He revealed that government agencies often conduct separate public participation exercises for the same legislation or program, leading to unsustainable expenditures.
“For instance, in the Department of Parliamentary Affairs within my office, we have compiled a list of over 700 legislative agendas awaiting parliamentary debate and approval. The cumulative cost of public participation for these agendas exceeds Sh7 billion, which is unsustainable,” he explained.
Mudavadi further detailed that the costs associated with public participation for individual legislation range between Sh10 million and Sh100 million.
He warned that such expenditures divert funds from critical sectors such as healthcare, which is already struggling with shortages of essential medicines and personnel.
Advocating for National Unity and Economic Stability
During his address, Mudavadi also commended MEDA for its efforts in empowering coastal communities through education and development initiatives.
He acknowledged the organization’s commitment to supporting students in need and promoting sustainable development through awareness, advocacy, and community empowerment.
Emphasizing the importance of national unity, Mudavadi encouraged leaders and citizens to support government initiatives aimed at improving the country’s economy rather than engaging in blanket criticism.
“I encourage fostering national unity by advocating for peace and supporting government efforts to improve the economy. Constructive engagement is more beneficial than continuous criticism,” he stated.
The Iftar dinner, attended by a cross-section of leaders, provided an opportunity to engage with the Muslim community on issues of governance, development, and social cohesion.
Also present were Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule, Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, EALA MP Hassan Omar, and other dignitaries.
Mudavadi’s call for reforming public participation underscores the government’s push for fiscal prudence and efficient governance structures, ensuring that public engagement remains meaningful without becoming a financial burden.
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