ANNUAL REPORT

2014

PIN is a vibrant network of non-state actors working with parliament to promote Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability in Kenya.

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In the second half of this year, the Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Initiatives

Network (PIN) resolved to appoint two dedicated officers to manage and drive the

work of the network. That decision led to the appointment of Mbindyo Kimanthi and

Jackline Kagume as the point persons and officers of PIN. So this first newsletter starts

with a belated welcome to them and thanks to the members of PIN for bringing them

onboard. There is no doubt that they have added requisite impetus to the standing of the

organization together with new thinking about its future.

The events that are summarized in this first newsletter are a manifestation of the effort

and the ambition of the Parliamentary Initiatives Network (PIN) not only to maintain its

relevance but also to amplify the role of the legislature in its legislative, oversight and

representative functions consistent with Kenya’s constitution. This work has preoccupied

PIN in the various phases of its life and the events documented here prove that the

trajectory is in the right direction.

Separate from its functions as an institution seeking to be an enabler of the legislative

bodies in Kenya, PIN is also alive to the need to build its internal capacity and that of its

membership. I consider that establishment of its thematic groups makes PIN to stand out

among similar networks. This is because the functions that the PIN assigns to itself are

performed through its members with the secretariat merely enabling them to inform parliament’s work more effectively. For that reason,

it is evident that reference to PIN is usually to refer to the thematic groups. They deserve commendation for keeping the network active

and its effectiveness is wholly attributable to them.

On behalf of the Secretariat and the PIN Steering Committee, I encourage you to read the summary and highlights of the activities that

PIN has undertaken in the year and hope that you will find it enlightening and possibly inspirational too. We would be pleased to receive

your feedback about any issues covered here.

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A WORD FROM THE CHAIR

Kwame OwinoChairman PIN Steering Committee

CHAIRMANKwame Owino

MANAGING EDITORSMbindyo KimanthiJackline Kagume

CONTRIBUTORSElijah Ambasa Jason LakinDavid Kisiang’ani Anne NderiDuncan Otieno Martin MuiruriPhilip Gichana Edward Ouko

DESIGN AND LAYOUTSmooth Images

DISCLAIMERThe views and opinions expressed in the articles published in this Newsletter do not necessarily represent a common position of members within the network. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of content in this newsletter, authors are fully responsible and legally liable for their own work and as such, PIN as a network assumes no responsibility or legal liability whatsoever.

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The 21st century has been marked by growing interest and

increased agitation for active citizen participation in matters

democracy and good governance around the world. This

is a reflection of the increasing acceptance of the fact that

democracy and good governance are not a luxury, but a

fundamental requirement to achieve sustainable development.

Parliament as one of the key state institutions in a democratic

system of governance has a critical role to play in promoting

democracy and good governance. As the democratically

elected representatives of the people, parliaments have the

honorable task to ensure government by the people and for

the people.

Closer home, it is undeniable that the Kenyan Parliament has

made significant progress at embracing institutional reforms

and discharging its mandate in a more assertive and open

manner. As the country goes through major reforms in the

governance sector resulting from the 2010 Constitution of

Kenya, the Kenyan National Assembly and Senate, continue

to play a major role in ensuring that governance reforms are

anchored in a constitutional and legal framework that will

allow for sustainable development in the country.

However, Parliament will require specialized and coordinated

support from all stakeholders, including forums such as the

Parliamentary Initiatives Network (PIN). PIN was the first

platform that brought together various organizations from

diverse backgrounds to speak in a united voice to and with

parliament. Through its formation, the network filled an

existing gap by creating a coordinated approach for engaging

parliament, which allowed organizations to harness their

distinct experiences and expertise to design interventions that

strengthen Parliament’s ability to effectively undertake its key

functions.

Beginning July 2014, the network revamped its momentum

by bringing on board two new coordinators to run the affairs

of the secretariat. Moving forward, PIN is committed to

building strategic and lasting relationships with parliament,

parliamentary institutions and national bodies that work

to enhance the effectiveness of parliament. Moreover, we

will endeavour to ensure that our work in parliamentary

strengthening is based on evidence and results and that

information is used to improve collective practice. PIN will

continue to evaluate the needs of parliament and the impact

of its work, in order to improve the means of assessing

parliamentary performance for better delivery.

Our newsletter will be used as a platform to inform and

empower the citizenry and institutions working to strengthen

parliament. It will offer incisive and well researched articles

from diverse sectors, as well as constructive criticism and

proffer solutions to challenges that need to be addressed with

urgency. We recognize that for us to continue being effective,

our initiatives must build on, build with and build up efforts and

channels to strengthen parliament. Further, our interventions

should go beyond short term ad hoc measures and focus on

institutional development of parliament through uniform and

coordinated approach with various key stakeholders.

We look forward to your constructive feedback and engagement

and wish you an insightful reading!

Jackline Kagume & Mbindyo Kimanthi,

PIN Secretariat.

MESSAGE FROM SECRETARIAT

Parliament plays a major role in ensuring that

governance reforms are anchored in a constitutional

and legal framework that will allow for

sustainable development in the country... it will require specialized and

coordinated support from all stakeholders.

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LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRITY

Kenya enacted a new Constitution, at least in part, in order to deal with a long legacy of impunity, institutional frailties and embedded corruption. The centre-piece of anti-corruption and public integrity reform is Chapter Six of the Constitution, the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and the Leadership and Integrity Act.

In the year ending, the PIN thematic group on Leadership and Integrity drafted a policy paper providing for rationale for Chapter Six of the Constitution and consequently an amendment Bill to the Leadership and Integrity law. The thematic group also reviewed various bills that have made contribution in promoting leadership and integrity in Kenya. They include the Powers and Privileges Bill, 2014, County Powers and Privileges Bill 2014, Public Service (Values and Principles) Bill, 2014. Memorandums of the same have been shared with respective Parliamentary Committees. The thematic group has also drafted an Ethics and Integrity policy and reviewed the Ethics and anti-corruption law. Currently, the Leadership and Integrity thematic group is reviewing implementation of Chapter Six with a view of proffering recommendations on the role various stakeholders can play in strengthening its implementation.

In 2015, the thematic group will among other things, focus its energies advocating for the adoption of draft ethics and integrity policy and amendment bills on Leadership and Integrity and EACC by the thematic group. In a bid to reduce losses due to fraud and promote accountability the thematic group will push for the enactment of the Whistleblowers bill. This will allow for the disclosure by any person of information about misconduct while at the same time protecting the person against sanctions of all forms.

Our Focus between 2013-2014 has been majorly on three key goals.1. To effectively influence the process and substance of

implementing the Constitution.2. Support Parliament to perform more effectively in its

legislative, oversight and representation functions.3. Nurturing PIN as a strong and vibrant forum for collective

engagement with Parliament.

PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY

The remit for the Public Service Delivery (PSD) is to provide leadership in issues of socio-economic rights and public service delivery. This year, the thematic group has been instrumental in supporting government to meet their global commitments by working in partnership with government sector (Ministry of Health - MoH) towards developing and implementing a common agenda on the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Currently, the Ministry of Health is finalizing on the NCD strategic plan and Policy that PI has made a contribution in through the PSD thematic group. The thematic group has also reviewed several bills including the Health Bill,

2014, Mental Health Bill, 2014 and Public Service (Values and Principles) Bill, 2014.

International Institute for Legislative Affairs (ILA) has led the thematic group in drafting of the Mental Health Bill which is currently being debated. In August,

World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with ILA and MOH convened a consultative forum with discussion centered towards harmonizing the MOH mental Health Bill and the ILA lead Mental Health Bill. Discussions are still on which include formation of a secretariat between the PSD, MOH and WHO to hasten the process.

Our work as a network has allowed various organizations to harness their distinct experiences and expertise to design interventions that strengthen Parliament’s ability to effectively undertake its key functions – legislation, representation and oversight. We deliver our interventions through six key thematic groups. Namely, Public Service Delivery; Public Finance Management and Devolution; Human Rights and Gender; Elections; Standing orders; and Leadership and Integrity.

Elijah Ambasa (TI, Kenya) makes a contribution at a past PIN Event

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PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT AND DEVOLUTION

The Public Finance Management and Devolution thematic group has been instrumental in various processes relating to public finance issues including planning, budgeting, public spending and auditing. Apart from review of laws including the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Bill, 2014, the PFM thematic group has held strategic mapping meetings with representatives of various national institutions including the Office of the Auditor General, Commissioner Kamotho Waiganjo of the Constitution for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) and the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training (CPST). The Thematic group also held two public forums – one on understanding Public Participation as enshrined in the Constitution and another on enhancing accountability for public resources.

Although a number of legislations have been passed since the promulgation of the constitution to give effect to devolution in the area of public finance like the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, a lot still remains to be achieved for the country to experience ‘liberation’ in the management of public money. Key legislations still need to be enacted to safeguard public resources from rogue public officers who have little respect for accountability and transparency. These legislations include the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Bill, 2014 that seeks to tighten gaps in the procurement of goods and services in the country and guide on how to dispose them once they have outlived their time.

Another key legislation that needs to be fast-tracked is the Public Audit bill, 2014. Through this bill, auditing of public entities will be streamlined and enhanced to ensure greater efficiency in use and appropriation of public funds. Moving forward, the thematic group will endeavour to create platforms for members of the pubic to interrogate budget allocations and audit reports in a bid to ensure fiscal transparency and accountability.

STANDING ORDERS

In the last year, PIN through the Standing Orders thematic group supported the review and adoption of standing orders to govern the operations of parliament (both National Assembly and Senate) under the bicameral structure. Since the standing orders were adopted, the thematic group has been instrumental in sharing researched memorandum on how the standing orders in parliament can be improved for better working of the two

houses. The thematic group has also undertaken the review of bills that touch on the conduct of parliament including the Powers and Privileges Bill, 2014 as well as the review of various bills at the County level.

In the coming year, the thematic group plans to conduct an audit the legislative and policy framework on the Institutional character of Parliament to the extent that this furthers a democratic and responsive parliament based on constitutional standards. Further, they will review the extent to which Parliament has engendered key principles of the Constitution including Human rights, Ethics and Integrity and Article 10.

Elias Wakhisi (ICPAK) makes a contribution at PIN Meeting

George Wakah of CPST makes a presentation during a strategic mapping meeting between CPST & PIN

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NON-STATE ACTORS AND AUDIT OF PUBLIC FUNDS

Good public finance management implies active public participation and input throughout the entire budget process. Public participation in public finance is now a constitutional requirement in Kenya, which provides a unique opportunity for non-state actors (NSAs) to engage more regularly and effectively in all four stages of the budget process (formulation, approval, implementation and audit), and with other PFM stakeholders, including the Controller of Budget, national and county assemblies, national and county treasuries, and the Office of the Auditor General.

NSAs are already active in the formulation stage, beginning with planning and carrying through to the setting of sector priorities. One of the principal functions of civil society at this stage is to ensure that citizen priorities are reflected in plans and budget proposals. After formulation, budgets are subjected to review and amendment by the legislature. At this stage, civil society must continue to defend the interests of citizens, but can also engage in useful research to support the legislature. For example, NSAs can conduct a comparative analysis of previous budgets and actual spending, and share their views with parliament to inform final allocations.

The budget implementation stage involves collection of revenue and spending the monies as per the allocations made in the budget. NSAs can review budget implementation reports and provide their analysis to the legislature. They can also supplement these reports with their own analysis from the ground on how well or poorly budget implementation is happening.

This brings us to the final stage in the process: audit. The aim of the audit process is to confirm whether or not public money has been applied lawfully and in an effective way. In Kenya, audit of public accounts at both national and county level is a function assigned to the Office of the Auditor General by the Constitution. After the audits are complete, they are tabled in the assemblies at both levels of government for further action.

The constitution requires the Auditor General to regularly publish and publicize his reports. Given the very technical

nature of these reports, CSOs can play an intermediary role by reviewing and simplifying the reports. This can increase their profile in the media, among the public and in parliament itself. In some countries, such as Tanzania, NSAs have produced simplified versions of audit reports to encourage wider use of audit findings. NSAs can also work directly with the auditor to jointly produce simpler versions of the official reports, or to develop online portals where audit information is easily accessible to the public.

CSOs can also provide a platform to link the Auditor General with the public. This

can be done through organized consultative forums where the public interacts with the auditor to discuss audit findings and potential remedies. Auditors in some counties have also begun to work more closely with the public in different ways, such as opening hotlines to accept public suggestions for whom or what to audit, and conducting joint audits with members of the public. South Korea’s auditor conducts some of its audits on the basis of public recommendations. The auditor in the US uses a hotline to accept suggestions for what to audit. And in Philippines, joint audits of rural infrastructure projects have been conducted. In all of these cases, NSAs can help to set up systems and ensure that the public is actually able to use them to engage with the audit office.

NSAs also have a role to play in ensuring the proper use of audit findings by Parliament and county assemblies. This may involve building the capacity of the Public Accounts Committees (PAC) to review and use audit reports in partnership with other parliamentary training institutions. It may also involve keeping audit findings on the public agenda so that parliamentarians feel that they must respond to them in order to satisfy their constituents. To this end, NSAs have a role to play in determining which audit findings are most important to act on, and to keep attention focused on whether there is follow through both in the assembly and then after the assembly has released its own findings. This may also necessitate work to simplify and highlight findings from the PAC reports for public and media consumption.

These are just some of the many opportunities for greater engagement between NSAs and the Office of the Auditor General that can be explored under the new constitutional dispensation.

Jason Lakin is the country manager for International Budget Partnership, Kenya (IBP Kenya) and Jackline Kagume is the programme officer at the Parliamentary Initiatives Network (PIN).

Jason Lakin (IBPK) shares a point with Jackline Kagume at a past PIN meeting

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Article 229 of the Constitution gives the Auditor- General the mandate to audit the accounts of National government, County governments, Judiciary, Independent Commissions, Offices and tribunals, State and county corporations, political parties publicly funded and other semi - autonomous government agencies. The Constitution further tasks the Auditor-General to ensure that public resources are used effectively and lawfully. This introduces a new concept of auditing, requiring us not only to look at the fiscal and managerial accountability aspects of auditing, but to also confirm that the programmes implemented lead to results and outcomes that positively transform the lives of citizens. My Office therefore, has the responsibility of giving assurance to Wanjiku that her resources have been used effectively and lawfully.

From this constitutional mandate bestowed upon my Office, it is clear that a lot of resources must be channeled to accountability. Although my office has had to deal with numerous challenges including underfunding, late submission of financial statements from auditees and lack of proper ICT equipment, we have worked hard to ensure that audit reports are handed over to parliament by 31st December every year.

Our value systems as a society are wanting. We glorify grand corruption and attach respect and admiration to those involved in such mega scams. This needs to change.

Role of Non-State Actors

In our latest audit report of 2012/2013, for instance, we could not confirm whether Sh337 billion spent in that period was used lawfully as required by the Constitution. Though this was highlighted in the media, no sustained efforts from individual

citizens, civil society and other non-state actors to demand answers have been noticed. The resources at stake are public resources, every Kenyan pays taxes and they have the right to interrogate how these resources have been used.

We are also faced with implementation and follow-up on our recommendations – This has been a big challenge. The recommendations in our reports tabled to parliament should be implemented to assure on good governance in the management of public resources. Key partners and stakeholders including our clients, the media, civil society and the citizens should demand for accountability and call for the implementation of these recommendations. That way, public resources are secured while the ‘taps’ that lead to misuse and abuse of resources are closed.

We must take accountability of public resources seriously. Every citizen must feel the impact of the shilling he/she entrusts with the government. Non-State Actors need to ensure that institutions of accountability are adequately funded and are independent enough to carry their mandate without interference.

Lastly, as an institution that works to support the work of parliament, I call on PIN to make valuable input and recommendations into the Public Audit Bill, 2014, awaiting introduction in Parliament. If passed, this bill will enhance the independence and effectiveness of the Office of the Auditor General.

Mr. Edward Ouko, Auditor General of the Republic of Kenya.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Edward Ouko addressing a Public Forum by PIN on Accountability of Public Resources.

ROLE OF NON-STATE ACTORS IN ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC RESOURCESby Edward Ouko

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HUMAN RIGHTS & GENDER

The human rights thematic group under Parliamentary Initiative Network (PIN) is tasked to focus on advocacy on International Human Rights laws that have been domesticated by Kenya, rights under the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the rights borne by statute In Kenya and accessibility of these rights for the rights holders.

FIDA Kenya as a convener of this group has been working with the partner in this cluster, Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), the umbrella body under which the women leaders in the National Assembly and Senate caucus. The focus this year has been on building the capacity of women leaders at the National and County levels to perform their legislative functions and substantively participate in decision making processes. This has been approached through structured capacity building programmes on the functions and responsibilities of leaders at the National Assembly, Senate and County Assembly Levels, advocacy on rights based approach to legislating, budgeting and decision making and review of legislation both at national and county level for gender responsiveness.

As a result of these capacity building initiatives, the network strives to gain an informed body of women leaders, aware

of the human rights issues in their leadership spaces and able to substantively represent these issues within the various decision making platforms. Further, from these initiatives, policies at the national and county levels have been influenced and legislation reviewed for gender responsiveness.

ELECTIONS

Past elections in Kenya have been sour, largely marked with violence, poor governance structures, institutional failures and historical injustices. However, the 2013 election was different. It was generally peaceful despite claims of rigging, poor electoral structures and a Supreme Court case to decide on the Presidential winner at the ballot.

In the post-electoral period, the thematic group undertook an analysis of the legal and administrative framework of the electoral systems as well as an audit of the voters register and made proposals for amendments to the same. The thematic group has also consolidated recommendations based on various by-elections held in the country since March 2013. Recognizing that the election process is a cycle rather than an event, the thematic group plans to review the electoral and legal reforms in the country ahead of the elections in 2017 as well as conduct capacity building for members and other electoral institutions.

John Kinuthia (R) of International Budget Partnership Kenya (IBPK) speaks at a public forum organized by PIN with him are Jason Kabera (TISA) and John Mutua (IEA)

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MENTAL HEALTH IN KENYA FROM WHISPERS TO AWARENESS

There are currently 81 psychiatrists for a population of 41.6 million Kenyans. Most of these are in private practice with around 25 psychiatrists located in the public sector and even then are concentrated within urban areas. Quite frankly, the treatment gap on mental health in Kenya is dire.

With attention principally focused on communicable diseases, the importance of placing non-communicable diseases such as mental health as a priority has become increasingly evident both in its own right and due to its effects on health, education and social goals of a society. However, the topic has elicited little effort to collectively deal with the condition.

Using recent survey findings commissioned by the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (ILA) as a reference, striking is the fact that 61% of the Kenyan population hold the view that the government has not made enough provisions to take care of persons with mental disorders. A further 93% of the population were not aware of any steps taken by the government to address issues of mental disorder. At least 71% of Kenyans cite the cause of mental disorders to substance abuse of drugs and alcohol. Also noted was that 31% of Kenyans cite witchcraft as a cause of mental disorder and brain damage due to road accidents at 22%.

The most telling of the survey findings was the stigma associated with mental illness. Those interviewed were readily forthcoming with knowledge of whether they knew anyone suffering from a mental disorder within their community but would however coil at the idea of having to reveal anyone within their household having a mental disorder. 53% of the respondents stated knowing someone in their community with a mental disorder although this reduced when posed at the household level with only 5% revealing that they know someone experiencing mental disorder from their household and slightly high up again when asked about relatives in which case 14% of those polled stated having a next of kin with a mental health condition.

With stigma and little government effort to create awareness as well as providing mental health services, treating mental illness in Kenya is a challenge. It does not help matters that the legislation currently in place is antiquated and out of touch with the current prevailing reality.

To that end, the proposed mental health bill, which is currently in parliament having gone through the first reading, endeavours to be what the current Act is not. While repealing the Act, the bill provides for the recognition of rights owed to persons with mental illness most notably the protection from discrimination.

The bill while taking cognizance of the constitutionally ordained national and county governments, charges the two levels of government to determine and coordinate the implementation of their health policies in such a way that mental health services are available from the community level, ensuring adequate funding of mental health care services while promoting the rights of persons with mental illness and at the same time, promoting and improving the mental health status of the people.

One of the key note changes in the Bill that fundamentally alters the manner in which treatment of mental illness is provided is the shift to community health and primary mental health care and treatment and later the re-integration of the person into the community as opposed to the institutionalization of persons with mental illness.

However, even with a progressive law, much needs to be done to create public awareness with the view to reducing stigma associated with mental illness as well as increased government effort in providing mental health care services and information. Nevertheless, the proposed mental health bill offers a good launching pad in progressively dealing and treating persons with mental illness.

Martin Muiruri & Philip Gichana work in the Policy and Legislative Drafting Programme at the International Institute for

Legislative Affairs (ILA)

With stigma and little government effort to create awareness, mental illness in Kenya remains a huge

challenge

Bernard Moseti (AfriCOG) makes a contribution at a PIN meeting

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ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY OF PUBLIC RESOURCES

Corruption coupled with political interference has led to the death of public institutions. As a result, the constitution of Kenya has come in to change the way governance is done in the country. Under this dispensation, the public has a huge role and responsibility requiring interest in order to protect public resources.

With a substantial amount of money in the finance budget swallowed by corruption, the public as of necessity should start paying attention to money matters and how the government spends money to promote and enhance accountability. In order for this to happen, access to information legislation is paramount in supporting the principles of public participation. Second, there is need to develop the capacity of the citizenry in understanding and participating in the protection of public resources.

A key feature provided for in the Constitution that ensures prudent use and management of public resources by promoting accountability is the creation of the Office of the Auditor General.

The Auditor General as per Article 229 audits all government agencies in the Republic including political parties funded from public funds. Some of the responsibilities of the auditor general include checking fiscal accountability, managerial accountability and assessing performance outcomes of the budgeted money as to

whether its use has changed the lives of Kenyans. This auditing goes beyond checking the books to being on the ground to see the changes made through the budgeted finances.

With regular reports going to the Parliamentary Accounts Committee at the National and County Assemblies, in a sense then, the Auditor General acts as a link between the various government agencies, the representatives of the people and the larger citizenry in relation to the use and management of public resources.

It is this understanding of the critical role of the auditor general that the Public Audit Bill, 2014 comes to be. One of its objects stated therein is to promote efficiency, accountability, effectiveness and transparency on use of public resources. To this end, the proposed legislation strives to equip the office to better perform its role.

One of the challenges faced by the office is that of underfunding where despite an increase in the country’s yearly finance budget, funds allocated to the office have not grown in proportion and in fact have reduced. This is despite an increase in the work of auditing finances at the national and county levels of government.

In the Bill, the Auditor General shall prepare its office budget and once approved by the authority established under the Bill, the estimates will be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for finance for onward transmission to parliament. This is intended to reverse the trend where the finance secretary uses his discretion in providing finances to the office.

In all this, civil society still has a responsibility to enforce and push for accountability. The auditor general’s reports ought to be used to educate the people on public resources in a way that strengthens democratic participation. A positive step in that direction would however begin by lobbying for the enactment of the Public Audit Bill, 2014.

Martin Muiruri works in the department of Policy and Legislative Drafting at the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (ILA)

Jason Lakin (R) and Commissioner Kamotho Waiganjo share a light moment at a past PIN Meeting

Samuel Kimeu (TI - Kenya) speaks during a public forum on Accountability of Public Resources

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RESOURCESOn this page, we feature information of interest and value that will equip individuals and institutions working at both county and national levels of governance.

Publicationsi. East African Bribery Index 2014.

One of the most urgent issues and compelling needs in our democratic society today is combating corruption. Bribes pose a huge financial burden to a majority of citizens living below the poverty line and seeking services from public institutions. As such, there is greater need for citizens and institutions - both government and non-state actors - to dedicate efforts in transparency and fighting graft. It is a challenge that can be confronted and MUST be confronted.

Early December 2014, Transparency International launched its annual East African bribery Index, 2014 edition. This is a publication that offers an insight on bribery experiences from citizens in the 5 East African Countries namely Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, as they interact with key institutions while seeking services. In the report, over 10,000 citizens of East Africa were sampled from the five countries. The report explored the prevalence of bribery in various sectors and the value that various citizens place on the different services they seek. It also sought to establish what role citizens had played in fighting corruption in the last 12 months while offering them an opportunity to recommend what should be done to reduce corruption. However, the report points out a key challenge in the fight against corruption; that most East Africans are not willing to report bribery incidents they encounter.

As part of its recommendations, the report proffers among others, the urgency for civic education to the citizens as well as the necessity to establish and strengthen referral and resolution mechanisms for lodging complaints and seeking redress on corruption cases. This report that is produced annually by Transparency International is a valuable addition for individuals and institutions involved in the fight against graft in Kenya. Transparency International,

Kenya is a member of the Parliamentary Initiatives Network (PIN).

ii. Public Finance Building Blocks for Devolution: A Baseline Survey on Devolution in Kenya with respect to Public Financial Management Systems.

This report is a culmination of a baseline survey conducted by Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), a member

of PIN. It focuses on the public finance management and other financial control systems adopted by the County Governments since inception in March 2013.

The report analyzes the functional priority areas within seventeen counties surveyed and explores how public finance and human resource systems have been set-up by the counties, noting the underlying challenges that hinder effective performance and considering the extent of participation of citizens and private sector in the affairs of selected counties. The report notes the absence of strong and independent audit units, strained relationship between the County Assembly and the County Executive and high public expectations as some of the key impediments to growth and smooth functioning of devolution. At the end, it proposes recommendations aimed at enhancing the development of the financial systems at the county level that will position the devolved units as agents of prudent financial management for effective and efficient service delivery.

iii. Handbook on County Planning, County Budgeting and Social Accountability.

Budget transparency has in the recent decades come to be seen as a pillar upon which good governance stands. In present day Kenya, we have witnessed development practitioners, Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) and citizen groups take a keen interest in promoting openness in budget making both at the County and the National

levels of government. This new perspective has led to numerous initiatives seeking to promote transparency, accountability and public participation in the budgeting process, noting that improved delivery of public services under devolved governance can be enhanced through increased citizen engagement with the devolved units.

In view of this, Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a member of the Parliamentary Initiatives Network (PIN) and the convenor of the Public Finance Management and Devolution thematic group, recently published a Handbook on County Planning, County Budgeting and Social Accountability. This handbook highlights crucial social accountability tools and mechanisms and introduces the citizen to structures and processes established by the Constitution to enable their participation in governance. Some of these processes include participatory planning, participatory Budgeting and monitoring implementation of development projects and programmes.

They form an important channel through which citizens, CSOs operating at the county level can hold leaders accountable in the management of public resources, reducing corruption and leakage of funds while in return contributing to an improved public service delivery at the county level. This handbook has been used in several counties to train citizens and government officials including Chief Officers, Directors, Sub-County Administrators, Ward Administrators and County Budget and Appropriations Committees. It is a valuable resource for individuals and institutions intent on ensuring accountability in County governance.

The PIN Secretariatc/o Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA)...............................................1st Ngong Avenue, ACK Garden House, 5th Floor – Wing D

P. O. Box 53989 – 00200Nairobi - Kenya

PHONE+254 020 272 1262 / 2716231

FAX+254 020 271 6231

MOBILE+254 (0) 724 256 510

www.pin.or.ke

EMAIL US ATinfo@pin.or.ke

FACEBOOKParliamentary Initiatives Network – PIN

TWITTER@PIN_Kenya

Photo Credits: Mbindyo Kimanthi

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