Public participation framework in the county assembly

According to the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), public participation is any process that involves the public in problem solving or decision-making and uses public input to make decisions. Public participation includes all aspects of identifying problems and opportunities, developing alternatives and making decisions.’ In public affairs, public participation involves an open, accountable process through which individuals and groups within selected communities exchange views and influence decision-making. The government agencies engage people in thinking, deciding, planning, and playing an active part in the development and operation of services that affect their lives. From the above, it can be said that public participation is a process. It is vital in the principle in a democratic or people centered government, in which the people that are likely to be involved by a decision become part of making that decision. Public Participation is therefore the concept and practice of stakeholder engagement.