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ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF MAIN INTEREST GROUPS IN THE NATIONAL TRADE POLICY MAKING PROCESS IN KENYA

This article explores the role and influence of main interest groups in the national trade policy making process in Kenya. It examines the rationale for stakeholder participation, key interest groups, and how they influence policy. The conclusion highlights the need for stronger partnerships and representation.

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ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF MAIN INTEREST GROUPS IN THE NATIONAL TRADE POLICY MAKING PROCESS IN KENYA

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  1. ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF MAIN INTEREST GROUPS IN THE NATIONAL TRADE POLICY MAKING PROCESS IN KENYA BY C.H. ONYANGO

  2. OUTLINE • Introduction • Rationale for stakeholder participation • Role of Interest Groups • Key Interest Groups • How interest groups influence policy • Conclusion

  3. INTRODUCTION - 1 • Major trade policy reforms in Kenya • Prices decontrols • Removal/reduction of import duties • Removal of quantitative restrictions • Export promotion etc • Increased integration in world economy • Reduction of av. MFN tariffs from 18% in 2000 to 12.7% in 2007 • Growth in trade – exports and imports • Increase of exports in regional trade – EAC, COMESA • Mixed effects i.e. Winners and Losers • Factors of production • Employment and • Household welfare

  4. INTRODUCTION - 2

  5. RATIONALE FOR STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION • Necessity to complement efforts for maximization of benefits of trade reforms • Inclusive approaches in design and sequencing of liberalization • Sound Investment programmes • Ownership and acceptance • Social protection

  6. ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS • Advisory • Financing • Research & analysis • Capacity building • Advocacy • Dissemination • Development programmes • Investment & Job creation

  7. KEY INTEREST GROUPS • PUBLIC SECTOR • Ministries • Parastatals • Other agencies • PRIVATE SECTOR • KEPSA, KAM, KNNCI • Sectoral Associations – FPEAK, KFC, KDB, KPCU • International & Regional Development Institutions • World Bank • International Monetary Fund • International Finance Corporation • UNCTAD • ADB • EADB • ACBFetc

  8. KEY INTEREST GROUPS • REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TRADE ORGANIZATIONS • African Union, EAC,COMESA, IGAD • ACP group, Commonwealth, European Union • World Trade Organization • BILATERAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES • USAID, EC, DFID, SIDA, CIDA etc

  9. KEY INTEREST GROUPS 6. NON-GOVERNMENTAL & CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS • CUTS, OXFAM, ECONEWS, IEA, ACTION-AID, CARE INTERNATION, AMREF, CDC etc 7. Academic and Research Institutions • Public Universities • Research Institutes – KIPPRA, IPAR, Tegemeo etc 8. Others • Media • Consumers

  10. HOW INTEREST GROUPS INFLUENCE POLICY • Private sector • Participation in Standing committees, task-forces and key decision-making organs • lobbying – Individual firms/associations • Consultations – Round-tables, breakfast meetings, workshops, seminars • Petitions & threats 2. International & Regional Development Institutions • Macro-economic reforms • Grants and loans • Projects and programmes

  11. HOW INTEREST GROUPS INFLUENCE POLICY 3. Regional & International Trade Organizations • Negotiations • Signature & ratification of trade agreements • Technical/financial support • Projects & Programmes 4. Bilateral Development Agencies • Grants and loans • Projects and programmes

  12. HOW INTEREST GROUPS INFLUENCE POLICY 5. Civil Society Organizations • Advocacy • Workshops, seminars • Media- Press conferences • Demonstrations 6. Academic and Research Institutions • Research and analysis • Advisory • Standing committees and decision-making organs

  13. HOW INTEREST GROUPS INFLUENCE POLICY 7. Media • Outreach programmes • Discussion forums • Impacts, Feed-backs

  14. CONCLUSION • Increasingly consultative • Un-balanced influence • A dominant public sector and external participants • Dis-jointed private sector, NGO and Civil Society Organizations • Lack of effective representation of consumers • Role of media • Room for building stronger partnerships

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