By Shadrack Nyakoe
Nairobi MCAs have passed a motion to ensure special groups are involved in Public Participation.
The MCAs want groups such as the deaf, dumb, blind and all the disabled people involved in the budget making process.
While tabling the motion, Dandora II MCA Silas Matara said the County Budget making process will be incomplete without the input of deaf, blind and all the disabled people.
He said their views are critical and should be captured.
The motion seeks to compel the executive to develop regulations and policies for civic education prior to any Public Participation.
Matara said Public Participation advertisements made in newspapers should be done via other favorable means to ensure all members of the society receive the message.
He said means like asking Church leaders to inform their congregations, village heads to inform the locals will help ensure even those who cannot afford to buy newspapers get the message.
“We want friendly and accommodative forums where every member of the county will be well represented. Sign language should be adopted to cater for the dumb and mute,” he said.
Matara said a continuous engagement is important for citizens- government relationship thus every member of the society should be involved in Public Participation.
The motion was seconded by Nominated MCA Millicent Jagello who wanted budgetary provisions made purposely for Public Participation.
Once the motion is adopted by the executive, the Sonko administration will be required to develop policies and regulations governing conduct of civic education in line with Nairobi City County Public Participation Act 2015.