INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON LEGISLATIVE PROCESS OF KAPROBU DAM PROJECT, MOIBEN SUB-COUNTY UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Public participation is a method of engagement in governance. People engage together for
discussion and joint action within various interests, including constituents in governance
processes. In 2013, The Constitution of Kenya 2010 was implemented, and Article 174
highlights public participation as a crucial process in ensuring citizens' views are considered
during the legislative process. However, since the implementation of the constitution, public
participation has been conducted on various projects, but there have been public complaints
that their views are not being considered. Therefore, it created a need to determine whether
public participation influenced the legislative process, particularly the Kaprobu Dam project.
The study was conducted within the framework of participatory democratic theory. The study
used concurrent mixed methods research design (QUANT + qual). Quantitative data was
analysed using descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) and inferential statistics
(simple linear regression & Pearson correlation coefficient), while qualitative data was
analysed using content analysis. The regression analysis found a positive and significant
relationship between public participation and the legislative process. The regression model for
public participation and legislative process was Y=2.432+.463. The study findings imply that
there was a significant influence of public participation on the legislative process. This also
implies that the public participation policy is working in Moiben sub-county though it needs
improvement. The findings from this study inform the County Government of Uasin Gishu of
the need to increase the uptake of public views given during public participation as an excellent
measure to meet constituents' desires and uphold public participation.