INFLUENCE OF PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC DEBATES ON RESPONSIVE GOVERNANCE IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY GOVERNMENT, KENYA

Purpose- This study focused on establishing the influence of participation in public debates on responsive governance in Kenya. Its main objective was to establish the influence of participation in public debates on responsive governance in Kenya. Methodology- Descriptive research design and positivism research philosophy were adopted. The study focused on a target population of 680 respondents from Eighty-five wards within Nairobi County, and data was collected from the following groups of respondents; Civil society representative, religious representative, ward administration representative, youth representative, women representative, the special interest group representative, a representative of the citizens’ anticipating county services and a representative of the old aged residents were targeted. A sample size of 139 respondents was determined though purposive sampling technique. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and secondary data through published materials. Data was analysed through SPSS and presented in tables. Hypothesis testing was done through the use of t-test. F test (ANOVA) was also conducted to ascertain the difference between groups on study variable. Findings- The study found that participation in public debates had a positive and significant relationship with responsive governance. The study concluded that through participation in public debates citizens are able to support the incumbent leader to facilitate achievement of county goals.  The results from participation in public debates indicated that an increased Participation in Public Debates resulted to responsive governance. Correlation results revealed that Participation in Public Debates and responsive governance were positively and significantly related. Regression further showed that participation in public debates have a positive and significant relationship with responsive governance in Nairobi city county government in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice - The study recommended that there is need to establish forums to in order to enable citizens to engage directly in planning, policy making and monitoring service delivery.  Based on the study findings, the study recommends that there is need to establish, County, Sub-County and Ward Citizens Forums to enhance participation of residents in local governance. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need understand how Participation in Public Debates can influence responsive governance.