The above reflection, provided after a capacity-building forum on effective public participation and engagement in law-making processes, brought out the need to better engage partners in policy making institution to realize organizational goals. The training was held on 11 March 2016 in Nakuru County.
KELIN convened over 20 lawyers and members of civil society organizations (CSOs) working on reproductive health rights. They were chosen in recognition of their instrumental role in promoting democratic practice and good governance. They also advocate for the interests and views of different groups in society.
This advocacy leads to the generation of laws tailored to citizens’ needs. The facilitators included a pool of distinguished professionals with vast experience, namely: former Commissioner of the Constitution Implementation Commission, Catherine Mumma; Legal Counsel to the Senate, Elizabeth Muhia; Member of the Nakuru County Assembly, Beatrice Nyawira; and, Member of the National Assembly, Hon. Agostinho Neto.
The training provided critical insights into the various stages of law making. It highlighted the possible avenues through which CSOs can be involved, including approaching supportive MPs with traction and passion for the issues that concern civil society.
Hon. Neto stated that Members of Parliament (MPs) are highly under-utilized in Kenya and that there is a need to engage them in every step of bill-making processes. “CSOs tend to approach us antagonistically, but some MPs are actually the biggest champions of human rights,” he added.
At the end of the discussion, participants agreed on the following key steps:
- Develop and share a matrix on amendments to the Health Bill, to be moved at the Committee Stage with supportive MPs;
- Map out champions among MPs, Members of the Senate, and Members of County Assembly with whom to work;
- Identify key health-related bills on which to provide input; and,
- Explore alternative avenues for participation in parliamentary processes, including Ministerial Statements and Questions.
The workshop report will be available on the KELIN website in two weeks’ time.
To contribute to the discussions on this forum follow KELIN on our social media platforms:
Twitter: @KELINkenya using hashtag #Justice2Health
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information contact:
Saoyo Tabitha Griffith
Programme Manager Sexual & Reproductive Health Rights
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
4th Floor, Somak House, Mombasa Road Tel +254202515790; Cell +254790339963
Email: tsaoyo@kelinkenya.org
