Civic Engagement in Governance

Syllabus tag: Kenya CBC | Grade 9 Social Studies | Strand 5.0 Political Developments and Governance | Sub-Strand 5.2 Civic Engagement in Governance (6 Lessons)

Lesson objectives

By the end of this sub-strand, you should be able to:

• Identify individual and collective civic engagement activities in Kenya.
• Explain how civic engagement promotes good governance and social justice.
• Describe barriers to civic engagement and how they may be overcome.
• Appreciate the responsibility of citizens in governance.

Summary

Civic engagement means citizens taking part in the public life of their community and country, individually or collectively, rather than leaving governance entirely to elected officials. It includes voting, public participation in county budgeting, petitions, membership of associations, community projects, and holding leaders to account. The Constitution makes participation of the people a national value and requires public participation in law-making and budgeting, so engagement in Kenya is a legal entitlement rather than only a good habit.