See where citizens, Ward Development Committees, councils, traditional leaders, civil society and the media fit into local decision-making and accountability.
The policy places citizen participation, community empowerment, transparency and accountability at the centre of decentralisation. Participation includes helping identify priorities, following plans and budgets, monitoring services, and asking institutions to explain decisions and results.
Provide a ward-level platform for inclusive participation, communicate with local leaders and communities, and help align community projects with the Integrated Development Plan.
What citizens can followAdminister the district, oversee devolved functions, formulate by-laws, administer CDF and support Ward Development Committees.
What citizens can followIDPs are intended to be the principal long-term district planning tool, developed with communities, traditional leaders, the private sector and other stakeholders.
What citizens can followCivil society and media help disseminate information, monitor performance and champion accountability; formal oversight institutions address maladministration and corruption risks.
What citizens can followResponsibility: Which institution is responsible, and has the function actually been transferred?
Resources: Did funding, staff, equipment and decision-making authority move with the function?
Planning: Is the activity in the ward priorities, IDP, budget or service charter?
Delivery: What standard, target and completion date were promised?
Evidence: Are decisions, procurement records, expenditure, progress and results publicly available?
Follow-up: How can a citizen raise a concern, receive a response and see corrective action?
The policy specifically calls for inclusive participation, affirmative action and non-discrimination. Local engagement should make room for women, young people, persons with disabilities and other groups that may face barriers to decision-making or services.