11/06/2026
We are pleased to share a significant milestone in our collective pursuit of good governance, transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation.
The petition submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly has officially been tabled before the Speaker of the National Assembly and committed to the Departmental Committee on Public Debt and Privatization for consideration.
As members of the Kiambu County Empowerment Network (KCEN) and the broader civil society movement, we view this as an important step in advancing the interests of citizens and strengthening public participation in governance processes. It demonstrates that organized citizen voices can influence policy discussions and contribute to building accountable institutions.
We wish to sincerely commend Bunge Mashinani Initiative for spearheading this process and providing the leadership necessary to ensure that citizens' concerns on public debt management receive the attention they deserve within Parliament. Their efforts exemplify the role of civil society in promoting democratic governance, civic engagement, and public accountability.
The petition is informed by growing concerns regarding Kenya's public debt burden and the need to ensure that debt management is conducted in a transparent, accountable, and sustainable manner. Public resources belong to the people, and citizens have a legitimate right to access information, participate in decision-making processes, and hold duty bearers accountable.
Among the issues raised in the petition are:
📌 The need for stronger oversight and accountability in the acquisition, management, and reporting of public debt.
📌 The importance of ensuring that public borrowing supports sustainable development and delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
📌 The absence of a comprehensive and regularly updated public debt registry, limiting transparency and public oversight.
📌 The need to strengthen civic engagement and create inclusive platforms where citizens, especially young people, can contribute to discussions on public debt and fiscal sustainability.
The petition calls upon the National Assembly to:
✔️ Strengthen institutional mechanisms for oversight, transparency, and accountability in public debt management.
✔️ Establish a comprehensive public debt registry that is accessible to citizens and stakeholders.
✔️ Promote evidence-based decision-making through independent expert analysis on debt-related matters.
✔️ Institutionalize meaningful engagement between Parliament, civil society organizations, and citizens to ensure public participation and intergenerational equity remain central to fiscal policy discussions.
At KCEN, we firmly believe that sustainable development can only be achieved through accountable leadership, informed citizen participation, and transparent management of public resources. We therefore remain committed to supporting initiatives that empower communities, strengthen democratic governance, and promote social and economic justice.
As this petition advances through Parliament, we call upon all stakeholders to support reforms that safeguard Kenya's economic future and ensure that public debt serves the interests of both present and future generations.
Together, we can build a more accountable, inclusive, and prosperous Kenya.
