Hussein Khalid Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) Mombasa, Kenya 1

Background of MUHURI Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) based at the Coast of Kenya. It began in 1997 to promote the struggle for human rights amongst community members. Objectives of Parliamentary Monitoring Work To empower citizens by involving them in the processes of auditing public funds. To work with government departments to promote transparency and accountability in the utilization of public resources. To carry out evidence based research on the use of public resources. To influence policy and laws related to public finances. 2

Devolved Funds in Kenya There are 210 elected Members of Parliament in the country each representing a constituency Every year, the government sets aside approximately US $ 1,000,000 for each Member of Parliament for purposes of promoting development in their constituencies. Funds are sent to accounts which are managed locally through the stewardship of the Members of Parliament. Parliamentarians appoint committee members to oversee the local development projects. 3

Social Auditing: MUHURI’s Tool for Monitoring the Use of Devolved Funds by Parliamentarians Social Auditing is the process of ensuring accountability through the use of social movements and community groups. In the rights based approach to accountability, citizens have the right to demand accountability and public officials have an obligation to account. Parliamentarians as public officials have a primary duty to share information. The people, as intended beneficiaries of public projects and services have a responsibility to ensure that resources are utilised in the correct manner and that they actually benefit as individuals and collectively as communities. 4

Why is Social Auditing Important? 5 Social Auditing Good Governance Effective Development Citizens Empowerment

Key Steps in Social Auditing 6 Finding an entry point and mobilising communities/citizens around issue of concern Collecting facts and figures to build solid evidence Public awareness Rallying support and building awareness Lobbying, advocating and negotiating for change

Key Findings from Monitoring the Use of Devolved Funds by Parliamentarians 1. People Power There is a lot of power in the people at the grassroots and with the necessary and accurate information, communities can be the best agents of change and hold their parliamentarians accountable. 7

Key Findings Continued… 2. Information is Power When information is made available to the people, it promotes interest in them and the desire to see to it that resources are utilised appropriately. 8

Key Findings Continued… 3. Development is a fundamental right All over the world, countries’ citizens are paying taxes in the hope and desire to see development. Right to development is paramount and necessary for the realisation of many other rights. 9

Key Findings Continued… 4.Parliamentarians are Poor Managers As politicians, parliamentarians have many competing interests which they try to satisfy. As a result, they are left doing a little everywhere which in the end stifles development. 10

5. Conflict of Interest/Separation of Power Parliamentarians should stick to their core functions of making laws and holding the government accountable. The moment they venture into development then they interrupt the whole system of governance. 11 Key Findings Continued…

For comments and further information, please contact or set up a meeting at the venue pictured below in Mombasa, Kenya with: HUSSEIN KHALID Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) P.O. BOX , Mombasa or Website: 12