The New Constitution provides for increased citizen participation and engagement as it provides for greater checks and balances of government, thus promoting accountability through fair elections, devolution and exercise of power. The constitutional provisions are aimed at increasing democracy and ability to respond to the needs of citizens. However, the governance history of Kenya has shown time and again that key governance actors have been unaccountable and failed to engage with their constituents. Current practice in government has been ineffective at bringing about positive change as it is has appeared focused more on political power play and vested interests. Local authorities lack the capacity to effectively manage resources for community development. Under the New Constitution, counties will control and manage resources through the devolved structure.

While the New Constitution supports extensive opportunities for sustained citizen oversight, effective citizen participation and accountability, without an effective and responsible government, the process of change will be severely flawed. Furthermore, citizens expect immediate change following adoption of the New Constitution, when, in fact, there will be a significant transition period. During this time a significant number of laws and policies will need to be enacted. This programme is based on the identified need to ensure government is supported to pursue the busy constitutional legislative timetable in a timely manner that will bring the Constitution into effect. The programme will lobby for an enabling policy and legislative framework that stays true to the objectives of participation.

The programme focuses on facilitating interactions with democratic institutions, and promoting legal and policy reforms in accordance with the New Constitution, through research, lobbying and legal drafting. In addition, the programme aims at building citizen ownership of the reform process and to enable national and local government institutions to legislate the reforms. Through influencing the constitutional transition process, the programme will ensure that citizen oversight is integrated into the proposed new governance structures.

Programme objectives:
In 5 years, NTA will have:
Conducted research studies on citizen-focused areas of the 2010 constitution, specifically on Chapter 11 devolved government, and Chapter 12 public finance management;

• Drafted legislation to ensure citizen-focus is integrated into legislation;
• Effectively lobbied on citizen-focused areas of the constitution 2010;
• Forged networks and partnerships for influencing on policy change;
• Communicated dynamically on NTA priorities of citizen-focused legislation;
• Ensured the needs of both female and male citizens are focused on in legislation.