Website to offer civic education launched

You can now get civic education and make your views on the implementation of the Constitution known to the government through an interactive website launched by the Kenya National Integrated Civic Education Programme.

The website - www.knice.go.ke - has an online version of the Constitution easily accessible to internet users, at home and in the diaspora and allows them to ask questions on it directly to K-NICE secretariat members.

K-NICE project coordinator Otieno Okero said the idea is to reach out to and involve millions of Kenyans who can access the site on their phones or computers and enjoy active citizenry participation in the constitutional implementation process.

Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa said the programme’s move to embrace the use of Information and Communications Technology has potential to reach a larger population.

“The internet offers limitless capabilities which can be enhanced to shape the direction of the implementation process,” he said while officially launching it on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), Nairobi.

He added that the youth have to be engaged in matters of national importance such as the constitutional implementation process.

“The voice of urban and rural professionals must be heard. We cannot have them just commenting on these issues on Facebook and Twitter which is invaluable data comprising of fresh and innovative ideas which we can tap into as a nation for the common good,” Mr Wamalwa adding that he hopes the website will appeal to people of all demographic.

He further stated that the understanding of the Constitution can be made possible through civic education, for proper implementation to be done.

“Kenyans are happy they have a new Constitution but few know what it is all about. It will be the oracle we consult now and in the future. It shall not become another block of paper,” Mr Wamalwa said.

The website not only provides information on thematic guides such as on: devolved government, land and natural resources and the electoral system, but it is also a link to blogs, and other channels such as social media platforms Facebook and Twitter.

From its Facebook page www.facebook.com/knice.kenya and Twitter handle: @KniceKenya users will be encouraged to share information .

K-NICE programme has in the past adopted the use of the media – radio and television - and use of non-state actors such as community and faith based organisations and non-governmental organisations.