PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION IN THE BUDGET-MAKING PROCESS IN KAJIADO COUNTY

ABSTRACT
This study examined participatory communication in the budget-making process in
Kajiado West Sub County in Kajiado County. Kajiado West subcounty has the highest
poverty and underdevelopment index in Kajiado County. Specifically, the study examined
the participatory communication strategies that are used in budget making, the extent of participatory communication in the process as well as the challenges affecting participatory
communication in the budget-making process. The study utilised participatory
communication theory perspective which is both the practise and theory and practice of
using communication and dialogue in involving people in decision making process and
development. The study adopted a mixed method approach where both quantitative and
qualitative methods were combined. The study enlisted 96 respondents drawn from
Kajiado West Sub County and five Key Informant Interviews namely a Member of County
Assembly, a ward administrator, Director Citizen Participation, Economic Planning and
Management Officer and an NGO representative. Semi structured Questionnaires were
used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data while interview guides were used to
gather qualitative data. Descriptive Statistics was used to analyse quantitative data while
qualitative data was coded and analysed in themes. The study established that participatory
communication strategies utilised in the budget making process are not effective with the
public having limited access to clear, simple, and timely information on the process.
Further, the study established that just about thirty one percent have ever participated in
the budget making process and more than half believing the county is not committed to
public participation. The study also found out that participatory communication is riddled
with several challenges including inadequate and timely notification through public
preferred platforms and mediums, financial challenges, competing parochial interests and
technicality of the budget making process. The study recommends that the county
strengthens participatory communication in the budget making process by sensitising the
public on budget making process and ensure availability and accessibility of information
on budgets and budget making process and strengthen public participation structures.