Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Public Participation Guidelines November 2021

Abstract

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (J<MFRi)has developed a Public Participation Guidelines to give effect to the principles of public participation in the Institute by promoting democracy and participation of the people in accordance with Article 10 of the Constitution, promoting transparency and accountability in decision-making, enhancing public awareness and understanding of governance processes, promoting community ownership of public decisions, and promoting public participation and collaboration in governance processes, The Public Participation Guidelines is anchored on the Institute's mandate of undertaking research in marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecological studies for sustainable exploitation offisheries and other aquatic resources, Public Participation will be undertaken based on the general participation principles which include opportunities for public participation, notice, access to public participation processes, e-platforrn, timeframe for participation, consultation document, access to information for public participation, and processing of responses, to ensure effective implementation of projects, The Public Participation Guidelines will foster realization of the Institute's strategic objectives, namely to: (i) conduct innovative research for the blue economy; (ii) transfer knowledge and innovative technologies to communities' stakeholders; (iii) mobilize and manage financial and human resources; (iv) str-engthen institutional structure and capacity; and (v) promote local and international collaboration and partnerships. The Guidelines will enable KMFRI to provide quality and relevant marine and fisheries research information for the development of the Blue Economy especially marine environment, fisheries and aquaculture, socioeconomics and contribute to the realization of food and nutrition security, The Guidelines also recognizes that J<MFHIis a national research institution which is mandated to address the needs of both the National and the County Governments, Implementation of the Guidelines therefore requires collaboration and support from all stakeholders,