Page 43 - Divinity_F5

Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

Good governance targets to curtail Transparency: Transparency means
corruption, taking into account the that every policy taken and implemented
opinions of minorities, attending to the by the government must be carried out
voices of the oppressed in decision- under existing regulations. In addition,
making processes, and actively retorting there must be a guarantee that everyone
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to the community’s needs now and in the can access any information related to the
future. An organisation, a community policy, especially those who are directly
or a nation cannot realise its social, affected by the policy. This situation
economic or political goals without good builds trust and accountability.
governance. Good governance at all
levels is vital for generating a conducive Accountability: This implies that
environment for poverty alleviation and those in positions of power should be
development, which is required to assert held responsible for their actions and
universal values such as human rights. decisions. All institutions involved in
It is the operational link between noble good governance have full responsibility
aspirations and the effective realisation to the public to improve society’s
of the set goals. quality. This can be achieved through
mechanisms such as audits, oversight
Key attributes of good governance and reporting.
The key attributes of good governance
are transparency, accountability, the Effective participation: Participation in
rule of Law, effective participation, good governance implies an opportunity
responsiveness, consensus-oriented, for everyone to participate effectively
equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness in decision-making processes and hold
and efficiency. their leaders accountable. This can be
achieved through consultation, public
The rule of law: Governance should hearings and feedback mechanisms. In
be based on a clear legal framework addition, everyone, without exception,
that is applied consistently and fairly has the right to freedom of association
to individuals and organisations. The and expression.
rule of law is a durable system of laws,
institutions, norms and community Responsiveness: Under this attribute,
commitment that delivers four universal governments are supposed to be active
principles: accountability, just law, open
government and accessible and impartial in responding to the needs and concerns
justice. Under good governance, the of the people they serve. This includes
legal framework in the country must addressing grievances, providing
be enforced impartially, especially in services efficiently and adapting to
relation to human rights law. changing circumstances.

34 Form Five Student’s Book