SECTION 3.5 – SUMMARY

1. Engagement with Parliament:
– In Sierra Leone, the Parliament plays a crucial role in the budget formulation and approval process. The process begins with the executive branch presenting a draft budget to Parliament, which is then examined and debated by parliamentary committees. These committees scrutinize the budget proposals, suggest amendments, and ensure that the budget aligns with national priorities and public needs. The final step is the approval of the budget by Parliament, which involves a vote by all members.

– Making the Process More Inclusive and Transparent: To enhance inclusiveness and transparency, the following steps can be taken:

Public Consultations: Engaging citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the budget formulation process through public consultations and hearings.

Transparent Reporting: Publishing detailed budget documents and reports for public access.

Capacity Building: Providing training for parliamentarians and staff on budget analysis and gender-responsive budgeting.

Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for public feedback and incorporating it into the budget process.

2. CSO Strategies for Engagement:
– The following are Specific Strategies for Effective Engagement by my organization to influence the budget formulation and approval stage effectively including both success and challengers from past experience:

Advocacy Campaigns: Launching advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about budget issues and mobilize public support.

Policy Analysis: Conducting independent budget analysis and presenting findings to Parliament and the public.

Partnerships: Building partnerships with other CSOs, media, and academic institutions to strengthen advocacy efforts.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring budget implementation and providing regular reports on progress and challenges.

Reflecting on Past Experiences:

Successes: Successful advocacy campaigns have led to increased budget allocations for health and education sectors including wakeup attention for Government actions on MDAs with with low budget etc.

Challenges: Limited access to budget documents and data has hindered effective analysis and advocacy. Also only few CSOs are allowed by the Ministry of Finance and the Budget processing team to witness the process, which has being a challenged to CSOs that have the interest in Budgeting process. Low capacity building of staff to be involve

3. Improving Public Participation
The Practical Steps that the legislative take to Enhancing Public Participation are as follow:

– Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the budget process and their role in it.

– Inclusive Platforms: Creating platforms for marginalized groups to participate in budget discussions.

– Regular Updates: Providing regular updates on budget progress and changes through various media channels.

– Feedback Integration: Ensuring that public feedback is considered and integrated into the final budget.

– Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the budget process and their role in it.

4. Applying Module Tools: Using Tools and Guidelines to Improve Engagement:

– Budget Analysis Tools: Utilizing budget analysis tools to assess the impact of budget proposals on different population groups.

– Stakeholder Mapping: Identifying key stakeholders and their roles in the budget process to enhance collaboration.

– Communication Strategies: Developing effective communication strategies to disseminate information and engage the public.

– Monitoring Frameworks: Implementing monitoring frameworks to track budget implementation and ensure accountability.

Adopting these strategies and tools, CSOs can effectively engage with Parliament and contribute to a more transparent, inclusive, and accountable budget process.

1. Engagement of Parliament in the Budget Formation and Approval Stage

Response
The legislative arm of government in Sierra Leone which is parliament, play pivotal role in budget formation and approval stages, having first, second and third readings of the budget. The final budget is read a third time before passed.
The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) provides support to MPs. How? Through economic and fiscal research making complex budget materials simple and readable with an extended responsibility of advising on money bills.
Parliament also approves taxes and spending in ensuring transparency is not undermined.

How can these processes be more inclusive and transparent
I) Frequent public hearings paving the way for the public and civil society to have their views on the budget hearings
Ii) Accessibility to budget
documents
III) Parliamentary Committee should be supported with resources to strengthen oversight activities

3. Strategies for Engagement by CSOs
I) Regular collaboration and interactions with the legislature and parliamentary committees
Ii) Budget Literacy and Training – budget processes are technical in nature which requires trainings. CSOs including policy makers and other actors must be schooled on budget processes
iii) Monitoring and Evaluation – budget implementation and evidence of.any discrepancies can be tracked and checked through monitoring and evaluation.
iv) Technical Expertise and analysis of the budget process will succeed where CSOs collaborate with the parliamentary
committees

Improving Public Participation
Parliament can enhance budget participation by adopting the following
– public consultation
– inclusivity whereby the views of marginalized groups are captitef.
– budget documents must be made public to attract transparency

1- Parliamentarians can support the revision of policy objectives. Step 1: Reading
Reading and presentation of the budget
2nd Reading: Second reading of the budget. Debate conducted for 5 days or less by MPs.
Step 3: Committee Stage: Consideration by the Committee on Supply/Subcommittee on Appropriations.
Step 4: Third Reading/ Adoption of the budget/ Approval by MPs.
Appropriations Committees set up and use the Appropriations Questionnaire.
Vote monitors, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and technical officers of MDAs are summoned.
Parliamentary Involvement. How does your country’s Parliament participate in the budget formulation and approval phase, and
these processes could be made more inclusive and transparent by collaborating with CSOs can collaborate with Parliament during budget approval
Parliaments can invite civil society to submit proposals before final approval. Although changes at this stage are often limited, it is a crucial moment to formally record concerns and recommendations.
CSOs can observe and participate in budget debates, ensuring that their concerns are made public.
There is a need to strengthen the effectiveness of public action and align with international standards; the government has committed to a dynamic of transparency in the management of public finances.

Momoh S. Kamara November 18, 2024Reply
1. Engagement with Parliament:
– In Sierra Leone, the Parliament plays a crucial role in the budget formulation and approval process. The process begins with the executive branch presenting a draft budget to Parliament, which is then examined and debated by parliamentary committees. These committees vote on the budget proposals, suggest amendments, and ensure that the budget aligns with national priorities and public needs. The final step is the approval of the budget by Parliament, which involves a vote by all members.

– Making the Process More Inclusive and Transparent: To enhance inclusiveness and transparency, the following steps can be taken:

Public Consultations: Engaging citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the budget formulation process through public consultations and hearings.

Transparent Reporting: Publishing detailed budget documents and reports for public access.

Capacity Building: Providing training for parliamentarians and staff on budget analysis and gender-responsive budgeting.

Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for public feedback and incorporating it into the budget process.

2. CSO Strategies for Engagement:
– The following are Specific Strategies for Effective Engagement by my organization to influence the budget formulation and approval stage effectively including both success and challengers from past experience:

Advocacy Campaigns: Launching advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about budget issues and mobilize public support.

Policy Analysis: Conducting independent budget analysis and presenting findings to Parliament and the public.

Partnerships: Building partnerships with other CSOs, media, and academic institutions to strengthen advocacy efforts.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring budget implementation and providing regular reports on progress and challenges.

Reflecting on Past Experiences:

Successes: Successful advocacy campaigns have led to increased budget allocations for health and education sectors including wakeup attention for Government actions on MDAs with with low budget etc.

Challenges: Limited access to budget documents and data has hindered effective analysis and advocacy. Also only few CSOs are allowed by the Ministry of Finance and the Budget processing team to witness the process, which has being a challenged to CSOs that have the interest in Budgeting process. Low capacity building of staff to be involve

3. Improving Public Participation
The Practical Steps that the legislative take to Enhancing Public Participation are as follow:

– Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the budget process and their role in it.

– Inclusive Platforms: Creating platforms for marginalized groups to participate in budget discussions.

– Regular Updates: Providing regular updates on budget progress and changes through various media channels.

– Feedback Integration: Ensuring that public feedback is considered and integrated into the final budget.

– Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the budget process and their role in it.

4. Applying Module Tools: Using Tools and Guidelines to Improve Engagement:

– Budget Analysis Tools: Utilizing budget analysis tools to assess the impact of budget proposals on different population groups.

– Stakeholder Mapping: Identifying key stakeholders and their roles in the budget process to enhance collaboration.

– Communication Strategies: Developing effective communication strategies to disseminate information and engage the public.

– Monitoring Frameworks: Implementing monitoring frameworks to track budget implementation and ensure accountability.

Adopting these strategies and tools, CSOs can effectively engage with Parliament and contribute to a more transparent, inclusive, and accountable budget process.

Momoh1984 November 23, 2024Reply
1. Engagement with Parliament in Sierra Leone
Current Process: In Sierra Leone, the Parliament plays a pivotal role in the budget formulation and approval stages. The process involves:

– Draft Budget Submission: The executive branch presents the draft budget to Parliament.

– Committee Reviews: Parliamentary committees, notably the Budget and Finance Committee, scrutinize the draft budget, debate allocations, and propose amendments.

– Public Hearings: Sometimes, Parliament holds public hearings to gather input from citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs).

– Parliamentary Debates: MPs debate the budget in sessions that are open to the public and broadcasted.

– Approval: Following debates and reviews, the budget is put to a vote for approval by Parliament.

Making the Process More Inclusive and Transparent:

Regular and Well-Publicized Public Hearings: Ensuring these hearings are widely advertised and accessible to all community members.

Detailed and Accessible Budget Reports: Publishing comprehensive budget documents and making them easily available online and in local languages.

Formal Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels through which the public and CSOs can submit their feedback on the budget.

2. CSO Strategies for Engagement
Specific Strategies:

– Policy Advocacy and Briefs: Preparing detailed policy briefs and position papers on key budget issues and presenting them to parliamentary committees.

– Public Awareness Campaigns: Utilizing media, community meetings, and social media to raise awareness about budget priorities and mobilize public support.

– Direct Engagement with MPs: Scheduling meetings with MPs to discuss specific budget concerns and recommendations.

– Collaborative Networks: Partnering with other CSOs and networks to amplify advocacy efforts.

Reflecting on Past Experiences:

Successes:

Influencing Allocations: Successfully advocated for increased funding for health and education through comprehensive policy briefs and effective media campaigns.

Public Mobilization: Mobilized public support leading to greater accountability and transparency in budget processes.

Challenges:

Access to MPs: Difficulty in scheduling meetings with MPs due to their busy schedules.

Transparency Issues: Limited access to detailed budget documents and data, making effective advocacy challenging.

3. Improving Public Participation
Practical Steps for the Legislature:

– Enhancing Accessibility of Public Hearings: Regularly scheduled public hearings with wider publicity and accessibility for diverse groups.

– Detailed Budget Reporting: Publishing detailed budget reports and making them easily accessible online and in local languages.

– Creating Participatory Platforms: Developing platforms (both online and offline) for public input, allowing citizens to provide feedback and suggestions on budget proposals.

– Capacity Building for Citizens and CSOs: Providing training on budget literacy and advocacy to enhance meaningful participation.

4. Applying Module Tools
Using Tools and Guidelines:

– Budget Analysis Tools: Applying budget analysis tools to assess the impact of budget proposals on different population groups and presenting findings to Parliament.

– Stakeholder Mapping: Identifying key stakeholders in the budget process and strategizing engagement with them.

– Effective Communication Strategies: Developing communication strategies to disseminate information and engage with the public and policymakers effectively.

– Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks: Implementing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track budget implementation and outcomes, ensuring accountability and transparency.

By adopting these strategies and utilizing the tools provided in the module, CSOs can enhance their engagement with Parliament, influence budget formulation and approval processes, and ensure that public funds are allocated transparently and inclusively.

Kimbowa Richard November 28, 2024Reply
1. Engagement with Parliament in Uganda
Uganda Parliament actively participates in budget formulation and approval stages. The process involves:
• The executive branch presents the EBP to Parliament.
• Committee Reviews: Parliamentary committees, notably the Budget Committee, scrutinize the EBP, debate allocations, and propose amendments.
• Sectoral committees scrutinize the EBP and is open for citizen / CSO input or viewpoints on it
• CSOs hold meetings with legislators and technical persons on areas of the budget that need more understanding
• CSOs and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development with partners organise an annual budget week to popularise the approved budget

2. Making the Process More Inclusive and Transparent:

Media engagement in the Budget week is high, but before specialised media persons report on different aspects of the budget
3. CSO Strategies for Engagement
• Preparation of policy briefs on key budget issues and presenting them to parliamentary committees and media
• Budget dialogues ahead of the budget day in June
• Public Awareness Campaigns: preparation of the citizens budget with partners, engagement of media, and social media (info graphics) to raise awareness about budget priorities and mobilize public support.
4. Successes:
• Public interest in the budget process and content by sector and MDA allocations
5. Challenges:
• Language barrier –many people do not read and understand the technical (English versions)
4. Applying Module Tools
• Stakeholder engagement to capture as much concerns and viewpoints as possible
• Use of Gender Responsive Budgeting tools
• Diverse ways to disseminate the budget including the citizen budgets

BOUBACAR ILLIASSOU C November 30, 2024Reply
Participation du Parlement. Comment le Parlement de votre pays participe-t-il à la phase de formulation et d’approbation du budget ,
Il recois le projet de la loi de finances à travers une cérémonie officielle à travers l’ouverture de la session dite session budgétaire
Ensuite les différentes commission parlementaire l’examinent en commission particulièrement la commission finance
Organise des débats en pentière transmises indirect sur les chaines radios et télévision d’Etat , il la facultés d’écouter des experts et des groupes organisés pour recueillir les expertises et avis
et comment ces processus pourraient ils être rendus plus inclusifs et transparents ?
en permettant à toutes chaines des radios et télévisions qui désirent transmettre en directe le fasse
en faisant des sessions citoyennes pour recueillir les besoins et priorités des populations à la base
Stratégies d’engagement des OSC. Quelles stratégies spécifiques votre organisation peut-elle adopter pour influencer efficacement la phase de formulation et d’approbation du budget ?
Production des évidences ,organisations des séances des lobbying et de plaidoyer pour plus d’allocations budgétaires aux secteurs sociaux des base en faveurs des groupes vulnérables et marginalisés
Réfléchissez aux succès
Arriver à faire rétablir la TATIE qui gênerait plusieurs milliard de FCFA à l’Etat en 2019 après sa suppressions en 2018
La réduction et voir la suppression de la TVA sur certains produits de premières nécessité et la taxations des produits de luxes
et aux défis des expériences passées.
Les menaces des dissolutions des nos organisations et emprisonnement des leaders de la société civile actives
La parfaite collaboration des parlementaires qui sont clivants

Améliorer la participation du public. Quelles mesures concrètes le législateur peut-il prendre pour améliorer la participation du public à l’ élaboration et à l’approbation du budget , notamment en ce qui concerne la transparence et l’inclusivité ?
C’est de voter les lois rendant obligatoire l’implication des citoyens dans le processus budgétaires
Suivre la mise en pratique les textes votés
Faciliter l’accès aux débats parlementaires pour les médias privés indépendants Commentez les outils et les lignes directrices fournis dans ce module peuvent ils être appliqués pour améliorer l’engagement de votre organisation avec le Parlement à l’étape de la formulation et de l’approbation du budget ?
Il faut d’abord les vulgariser auprès des parlementaires et l’exécutif ainsi que chez le grand public pour qu’ils y voient les bénéfices en termes de bonnes gouvernances , la transparence et une gouvernance de proximité qui sont proposées par ces outils et lignes directrices

Justus ogada December 3, 2024Reply
Kenyan Parliament plays a critical role in both the budget formulation and approval stages. These stages involve scrutinizing, debating, and ultimately approving the national budget proposed by the Executive (the government). However, the process can sometimes be opaque and exclusionary. Here’s how Parliament engages in the budget process, and how it could be made more inclusive and transparent:

1. Engagement of Parliament in the Budget Formulation and Approval Stages
A. Budget Formulation (Preparation)
Role of the Executive: The Ministry of Finance, led by the Cabinet Secretary, is responsible for preparing the national budget. This process includes consultations with government ministries, state agencies, and other stakeholders. Parliament is not directly involved in the initial formulation, but it has a role in scrutinizing and approving the final budget.

Role of Parliamentary Committees:

Budget and Appropriations Committee: The main committee responsible for the scrutiny of the national budget is the Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly. Once the Executive submits the budget, this committee begins a detailed review.
Public Accounts and Public Investments Committees: These committees also review past budget performance, ensuring accountability for previous years’ expenditures.
Budget Policy Statement (BPS): Every year, the government publishes a Budget Policy Statement, which outlines the fiscal policy and economic priorities. The Finance Committee and Budget and Appropriations Committee scrutinize this document to assess the government’s fiscal policy. Parliament discusses the BPS before the detailed budget is presented.

B. Budget Approval
First Reading: Once the budget is presented, the National Assembly holds a first reading, where the Budget Policy Statement is debated in broad terms. There is no detailed debate at this stage.

Second Reading and Debate: The Budget and Appropriations Committee presents its report on the budget, and MPs can debate the merits of the proposed allocations. Members of Parliament (MPs) raise concerns, propose amendments, and suggest changes. The debate may involve discussions on specific sectors such as education, health, or infrastructure.

Committee of the Whole House: After the debate, the National Assembly goes into a Committee of the Whole House, where MPs discuss the budget line by line, debating each allocation and proposal.

Third Reading: After amendments are considered, the final budget is read a third time before being passed. The Senate also reviews the budget, particularly for issues that affect counties.

Public Participation: While the Kenyan Constitution (Article 201) requires public participation in the budgeting process, Parliament does not have a direct role in holding open consultations during the formulation phase. However, the Budget and Appropriations Committee can engage with stakeholders during the approval phase, though these consultations are often limited in scope and reach.

2. How These Processes Can Be Made More Inclusive and Transparent
A. Increasing Public Participation
Wider Public Hearings: Currently, public participation during the budget process is often limited to expert testimony or the voices of well-organized civil society groups. To make the process more inclusive, Parliament could hold more expansive public hearings, where citizens from all walks of life are invited to share their views on budget priorities.
Use of Technology: Engaging the public through digital platforms (e.g., social media, online surveys, virtual hearings) can broaden participation. Parliament could hold virtual hearings or webinars where citizens can submit their views or participate in real-time discussions, ensuring wider representation beyond Nairobi.
Citizen Feedback Mechanisms: Parliament could create formal mechanisms for continuous citizen feedback during the budget cycle. For example, setting up dedicated websites, SMS platforms, or mobile apps where ordinary citizens can submit their concerns, ideas, or vote on budget proposals.
B. Enhancing Transparency
Clear and Accessible Information: The budget documents can be highly technical, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to understand how public funds are being allocated. To improve transparency, Parliament could mandate the National Treasury to simplify budget documents, presenting them in easily understandable formats (e.g., simplified infographics, summary reports) and making them accessible in multiple languages.
Regular Updates and Monitoring: Parliament should regularly update the public on the implementation of the budget through accessible channels. This could include monthly or quarterly budget implementation reports, where MPs and the public can track how funds are being spent, and whether the government is meeting the targets set during budget debates.
Open Data Initiatives: Parliament and the Treasury could embrace open data initiatives, making budget information, spending patterns, and performance evaluations publicly available in an easily searchable format. This would enable the public, the media, and civil society to hold the government accountable for its fiscal decisions.
C. Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight
Independent Budget Analysis: Parliament should encourage independent budget analysis from non-governmental entities (e.g., think tanks, academic institutions, or civil society). These entities can provide an objective evaluation of the budget’s impact, suggesting areas for improvement and ensuring the government is transparent about its fiscal strategies.
Engagement of County Governments: As counties also play a significant role in budget management, Parliament could improve engagement with county governments to ensure that local priorities are considered at the national level. This could involve more interaction between MPs and local authorities during the budget process.
Strengthening Committees: Parliamentary committees such as the Budget and Appropriations Committee could be strengthened with greater capacity to engage the public and experts, and to analyze complex budget data more effectively. Parliamentary staff could be trained to provide more robust analysis, and committee members could hold more frequent hearings on budgetary matters.

Andrew Senecy Sivalie December 3, 2024Reply
Engagement with Parliament
Sierra Leone’s Parliament engages in the budget formulation and approval stage through several key processes. The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) provides technical support to Members of Parliament (MPs) by offering economic and fiscal research, simplifying complex budget documents, and advising on money bills. The Parliament examines and approves the government’s taxes and spending, ensuring transparency and accountability1.
To make these processes more inclusive and transparent, Parliament could:
• Increase public hearings: Allow members of the public and civil society organizations to testify during budget hearings.
• Enhance accessibility: Simplify budget documents and make them more accessible to the general public.
• Strengthen oversight: Ensure that parliamentary committees have the resources and independence to scrutinize the budget effectively.
CSO Strategies for Engagement
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) can adopt several strategies to influence the budget formulation and approval stage effectively. These include:
• Budget literacy training: Educate citizens and policymakers about budget processes and their importance.
• Public advocacy: Use media and public campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for budget priorities.
• Collaboration with Parliament: Work closely with parliamentary committees to provide technical expertise and analysis.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Track budget implementation and report on any discrepancies or inefficiencies.
Improving Public Participation
The legislature can take practical steps to enhance public participation in the budget formulation and approval stage by:
• Public consultations: Organize town hall meetings and public forums to gather input from citizens.
• Online platforms: Use digital tools to facilitate public engagement and feedback.
• Inclusive representation: Ensure that marginalized groups have a voice in the budget process.
• Transparency: Publish budget documents and updates regularly to keep the public informed.

John Koroma December 5, 2024Reply
1. Engagement of Parliament in the Budget Formation and Approval Stage

Response
The legislative arm of government in Sierra Leone which is parliament, play pivotal role in budget formation and approval stages, having first, second and third readings of the budget. The final budget is read a third time before passed.
The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) provides support to MPs. How? Through economic and fiscal research making complex budget materials simple and readable with an extended responsibility of advising on money bills.
Parliament also approves taxes and spending in ensuring transparency is not undermined.

How can these processes be more inclusive and transparent
I) Frequent public hearings paving the way for the public and civil society to have their views on the budget hearings
Ii) Accessibility to budget
documents
III) Parliamentary Committee should be supported with resources to strengthen oversight activities

3. Strategies for Engagement by CSOs
I) Regular collaboration and interactions with the legislature and parliamentary committees
Ii) Budget Literacy and Training – budget processes are technical in nature which requires trainings. CSOs including policy makers and other actors must be schooled on budget processes
iii) Monitoring and Evaluation – budget implementation and evidence of.any discrepancies can be tracked and checked through monitoring and evaluation.
iv) Technical Expertise and analysis of the budget process will succeed where CSOs collaborate with the parliamentary
committees

Improving Public Participation
Parliament can enhance budget participation by adopting the following
– public consultation
– inclusivity whereby the views of marginalized groups are captitef.
– budget documents must be made public to attract transparency

amyoonwumere December 7, 2024Reply
To enhance public participation in the budget formulation and approval stage, the legislature can take the following practical steps:

Transparency

1. Publish Budget Documents: Make all budget documents, including the executive budget proposal, available online in a timely and accessible manner.
2. Budget Portal: Create a dedicated budget portal with user-friendly features, such as interactive budget visualizations and downloadable datasets.
3. Regular Updates: Provide regular updates on the budget process, including schedules, meeting minutes, and decisions made.
4. Clear and Simple Language: Use clear and simple language in budget documents and communications to facilitate understanding.

Inclusiveness

1. Public Hearings: Organize public hearings and town hall meetings to gather input from citizens, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
2. Citizen Budget Surveys: Conduct citizen budget surveys to gather feedback on budget priorities and concerns.
3. Inclusive Representation: Ensure that public participation mechanisms represent a diverse range of stakeholders, including marginalized groups, women, and youth.
4. Accessibility Measures: Implement accessibility measures, such as sign language interpretation, Braille materials, and online participation platforms.

Engagement and Feedback

1. Feedback Mechanisms: Establish feedback mechanisms, such as online comment forms, email addresses, or phone numbers, to allow citizens to provide input and receive responses.
2. Budget Education and Literacy: Provide budget education and literacy programs to empower citizens to participate effectively in the budget process.
3. Collaboration with Civil Society: Collaborate with civil society organizations to amplify citizen voices and promote inclusive participation.
4. Follow-up and Follow-through: Ensure that citizen input is considered and reflected in the final budget, and provide feedback to citizens on how their input was used.

Technology and Innovation

1. Online Participation Platforms: Utilize online participation platforms, such as budget simulation tools, online forums, and social media, to facilitate citizen engagement.
2. Budget Apps: Develop budget apps or mobile-friendly websites to provide citizens with easy access to budget information and participation opportunities.
3. Data Visualization: Use data visualization techniques to present budget data in a clear and accessible manner.
4. Innovative Engagement Methods: Explore innovative engagement methods, such as crowdsourcing, to encourage citizen participation.

Agathe AZIAGNON December 7, 2024Reply
Dans mon pays, le parlement participe à la phase de formulation et d’approbation par le débat d’orientation mi-juin qui donne l’occasion au ministre des finances de présenter les grandes orientations pour la gestion à venir. A la phase d’approbation le parlement avant de voter le budget fait une analyse des contenus du projet de Loi de finance en commission des finances et échange, après les audiences publiques, les ministères et institutions font leur passage pour présenter leurs budgets avant le vote.
A la phase de formulation, la meilleure stratégie c’est le plaidoyer au niveau des ministères sectoriels pour la prise en compte des doléances.

Wangechi December 8, 2024Reply
1. Engagement with Parliament. How does your country’s Parliament engage in the budget formulation and approval stage, and how could these processes be made more inclusive and transparent?

Formulation Stage: Parliament reviews the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and provides recommendations to align with national priorities. Departmental committees of Parliament examine sectoral budgets and provide input. There is then the engagement with the National Treasury to ensure adherence to fiscal responsibility principles.
Budget Approval Stage: Parliament reviews and debates the proposed budget and compiles a report with recommendations. Parliament debates the Finance Bill and votes.
To enhance Inclusiveness and Transparency, there should be adequate notice for public consultations to allow citizens and CSOs to prepare effectively. Livestreaming of the budget hearings and debates should be effectively done to broaden access and engagement. Publishing of budget drafts and related documents in accessible formats should be done to ensure dissemination through multiple channels, including local languages. Feedback mechanisms should be established for the public to track and receive responses to their submissions.

2. CSO Strategies for Engagement. What specific strategies can your organization adopt to influence the budget formulation and approval stage effectively? Reflect on both successes and challenges from past experiences.
Advocacy including presenting compelling cases for specific budget allocations.
Collaboration with other CSOs, citizens and other stakeholders to amplify, influence and pool expertise on the issues of concern.
Use of traditional and social media to raise awareness and build public pressure on key budget issues.
Organizing and holding forums, submission of petitions to articulate collective demands from citizens.