Action plan – Machakos, Kenya, 2025 – 2027

At-a-Glance

Duration

Aug 2027

Date Submitted

9th April 2025

Foreword(s)

We are proud to present Machakos County’s first Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More (OGP) Local Action Plan—a testament to our shared commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... to transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More, accountability, and meaningful public participationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio.... This plan is the product of collaborative engagement between the County Government of Machakos and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), reflecting our joint ambitionAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should “stretch government practice beyond its current baseline with respect to key areas of open government.” Ambition captures the po... to build an open, inclusive, and responsive county.

Public participation lies at the heart of democratic governance. Through this Action Plan, we aim to institutionalize structures and practices that ensure every resident—regardless of background—can actively engage in shaping decisions and policies that impact their lives. By fostering co-creation, we seek to strengthen public trust and enhance service delivery.

This plan envisions a Machakos where government, civil society, citizens, the private sectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat... More, and development partners work side by side. It sets a clear path for collaboration, integrating citizen input into governance and promoting equity in representation—especially for women, youth, and marginalized groups.

Together, we are committed to implementing the commitments outlined in this plan, tracking progress through inclusive and transparent monitoring mechanisms. We will invest in building capacity, enhancing communication, and creating spaces for ongoing public dialogue and feedback. Our collective goal is to create a culture of participation that endures beyond this plan.

We invite all stakeholders to walk this journey with us. By working together, we can make public participation a lived reality in Machakos County—one that drives development, strengthens democracy, and builds a more just and accountable future for all.

Mercy Ndululu
Government Point of Contact
County Government of Machakos

Philip Mutooni Mwangangi
Civil Society Point of Contact
Open Government Partnership, Machakos County

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

The long-term vision for open government in Machakos County is to build an inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance system where citizens actively shape public decisions. Guided by OGP principles, the county aspires to lead in participatory governance by institutionalizing citizen engagement, enhancing access to information, and strengthening accountability. Through open dataBy opening up data and making it sharable and reusable, governments can enable informed debate, better decision making, and the development of innovative new services. Technical specifications: Polici..., digital platforms, and inclusive forums, Machakos will ensure that all voices—especially those of youth, women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities—are heard. By fostering trust, leveraging technology, and embracing co-creation, the county seeks to embed openness in all government operations, making public participation a norm and not an exception.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

Machakos County has made commendable progress in advancing open government, guided by transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. Key achievements include the institutionalization of public participation through structured frameworks that facilitate community input in budgeting, planning, and service delivery—ensuring inclusivity for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The launch of the Machakos County Open Data Initiative has enhanced access to budget and project information, empowering citizens to track government performance.

Participatory budgeting has enabled residents to directly influence resource allocation, while strengthened collaboration with civil society has fostered joint monitoring and policy co-creation. The county has embraced digital transformationGovernments are working to increase access to and quality of government services, improve transparency, and create opportunities for participation by using information and communications technologies.... More through e-government platforms that streamline service delivery and enable citizen feedback. Transparency in procurement has improved with the public disclosure of contracts and tenders.

A notable milestone is the enactment of the Machakos Youth Empowerment Act, which institutionalizes youth participation in governance. Finally, Machakos County’s onboarding into the Open Government Partnership marks its commitment to global standards of openness and reform. These steps establish a solid foundation for deepening open governance in Machakos.

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

Despite notable progress, Machakos County faces key challenges in advancing open government. Civic awareness remains low, limiting citizen participation—especially in rural and marginalized communities. The digital divide restricts access to e-services, highlighting the need for digital inclusionPrioritizing digital inclusion — such as by expanding broadband access to remote areas or removing barriers to affordable internet — helps ensure all citizens have the opportunity to participate. ... More and offline engagement alternatives. Monitoring and evaluation capacity is inadequate, hindering impact tracking and data-driven reforms. Coordination between government and CSOs needs strengthening to avoid siloed efforts. Open government practices require institutionalization across departments for sustainability. Marginalized groups still face barriers to participation, demanding more inclusive outreach. Data quality and access remain inconsistent, and trust in government is fragile due to past governance issues. Ensuring long-term sustainability amid political transitions and embedding reforms into policy frameworks is critical to deepening accountability, and public engagement.

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

Machakos County’s medium-term open government goals focus on enhancing transparency, participation, and accountability. Priorities include institutionalizing inclusive public participation at ward and sub-county levels, launching digital platforms for citizen engagement, and improving fiscal transparency through accessible budget data and participatory budgeting. The county also aims to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, formalize partnerships with CSOs, expand access to open data, and roll out e-government services. Special attention will be given to marginalized groups through tailored outreach and representation. Additionally, robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks will be established, with citizen involvement in tracking the progress and impact of reforms, ensuring that open government becomes a permanent and participatory aspect of governance.

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

The Machakos County OGP Action Plan drives the county’s strategic vision of transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance. It institutionalizes public participation by embedding citizen engagement in all decision-making levels. It enhances transparency through regular publication of financial data and open access to procurement and budget information. The plan also promotes digital and civic engagement by expanding e-services and inclusive platforms, particularly for marginalized groups. Anti-corruption efforts, including a task force and whistleblower protectionsEnsuring that people feel encouraged and safe to report corrupt practices or wrongdoing in the workplace builds a culture of integrity and makes it easier to detect corruption.  Technical specificati..., reinforce accountability. Formalized partnerships with CSOs ensure collaborative policy-making and monitoring. A robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework ensures continuous improvement, while the institutionalization of reforms guarantees long-term sustainability and a culture of open governance.

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

The Open Government Strategic Vision supports Machakos County’s policy goals by promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. It enhances service delivery through participatory budgeting and public oversight of projects. By strengthening financial transparency and anti-corruption mechanisms, it reinforces good governance and public trust. The vision fosters inclusive development by empowering marginalized groups to engage in decision-making. It supports sustainable development through civic-led environmental action and open access to environmental data. Digital governanceAs evolving technologies present new opportunities for governments and citizens to advance openness and accountability, OGP participating governments are working to create policies that deal with the ... More initiatives modernize service delivery and expand citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More. Robust MEL frameworks ensure evidence-based policymaking and continuous improvement, aligning with the administration’s commitment to responsive, equitable, and sustainable governance.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• County Administration and Decentralized Units
• Youth and Sports

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

Machakos County has established institutional arrangements to ensure coordinated implementation of the OGP Action Plan. An Inter-Agency Coordination Committee comprising key departments oversees progress, addresses challenges, and ensures policy alignment. Lead departments are assigned specific commitments, responsible for implementation and reporting. Thematic task forces and ad hoc working groups support focused collaboration with CSOs and stakeholders. Regular stakeholder forums promote inclusivity and feedback. Digital platforms facilitate information sharing, including dashboards and repositories. Capacity-building programs equip officials with open governance skills. A joint M&E framework enables transparent tracking of progress, with CSO involvement to enhance accountability and learning.

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

To foster collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of the OGP Action Plan, Machakos County has leveraged both offline and online spaces.

• Offline, public forums, town halls, and multi-stakeholder roundtables have enabled inclusive dialogue. Joint workshops and training sessions have built capacity and mutual understanding. Advisory committees and formal partnership events support sustained engagement and shared accountability.
• Online, digital platforms such as WhatsApp groups, have facilitated continuous communication, virtual consultations, document sharing, and coordinated planning—ensuring wide participation even across remote areas.

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

To ensure the inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... More of vulnerable and marginalized groups, several measures have been implemented. Targeted outreach programs engage women, youth, PLWDs, and ethnic minorities through local languages and accessible meeting locations. Partnerships with CBOs help facilitate outreach, while specific efforts connect with women’s and youth groups to integrate their perspectives. Collaborative spaces are chosen for accessibility, providing accommodations for those with mobility challenges. Safe spaces are created with ground rules for respectful communication, and anonymous feedback channels are provided for those hesitant to speak publicly. Empowerment programs, including advocacy training and mentorship, build capacity within marginalized communities. Diversity metrics are used to monitor participation and ensure ongoing inclusion, with feedback collected to make adjustments, ensuring equitable representation and engagement throughout the co-creation and implementation process.

Who participated in these spaces?

The co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive... included a diverse range of participants.

• Government officials from various departments, such as devolution, ICT, youth, educationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation ..., and finance, provided expertise.
• Elected officials, including members of the County Assembly, ensured alignment with legislative priorities.
• Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including advocacy groups and local CBOs representing marginalized communities, contributed insights on human rightsAn essential part of open government includes protecting the sacred freedoms and rights of all citizens, including the most vulnerable groups, and holding those who violate human rights accountable. T..., transparency, and accountability.
• Academic institutions, including universities and research institutes, provided data and analysis.
• Private sector representatives discussed the role of businesses in promoting transparency.
• Vulnerable groups, such as youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), actively participated to highlight inclusivity issues.
• Local residents, including families and elders, attended public forums, while media representatives ensured transparency and informed the community about the OGP process.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

35

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation process?

12

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

To ensure effective and sustained collaboration in the implementation of the OGP Action Plan in Machakos County, a Joint Implementation Committee will be formed, comprising both government and non-governmental stakeholders. Regular coordination meetings will be held to review progress and share best practices. A shared responsibility framework will define clear roles for both parties. Capacity-building initiatives, such as joint training sessions, will enhance skills in open governance and community engagement. Public participation platforms, including town halls and online forums, will be maintained for citizen engagement. An online portal will be developed to share updates and resources, promoting transparency. Feedback mechanisms and evaluation frameworks will assess collaboration effectiveness. Networking opportunities and partnerships with academic institutions and the private sector will be encouraged to enhance innovation and resource mobilization.

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

The Independent Monitoring Body (IMB) for the OGP Action Plan in Machakos County is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective implementation.
The IMB will be composed of diverse representatives, including:

• civil society members engaged in governance and community development to reflect the needs of marginalized groups;
• academics and researchers from local institutions to provide evidence-based assessments;
• community leaders to ensure local voices are heard;
• government observers to facilitate communication with the government;
• legal and financial experts to ensure compliance with regulations and accountability.

This composition will ensure a balanced, inclusive, and objective monitoring process, fostering trust and engagement throughout the implementation of the action plan.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Dr. Violet Mbiti, Lead, [email protected]

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

To discuss progress on commitments under the OGP Action Plan, several activities will be implemented to ensure effective communication and engagement with stakeholders. These include quarterly progress review meetings with government, CSO, and community leaders; biannual public forums and town hall meetings for wider community participation; capacity-building workshops to enhance stakeholder involvement; an online progress dashboard with real-time updates and feedback mechanisms; annual feedback and evaluation surveys to gather stakeholder input; roundtable discussions on specific commitments; collaborative reporting sessions to review progress and identify improvements; and active social media engagement to share updates, encourage discussions, and promote transparency. These activities will foster collaboration, accountability, and community involvement throughout the action plan’s implementation.

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

To ensure effective implementation of the OGP Action Plan, regular check-ins with implementing agencies will be conducted through several strategies. These include bi-monthly progress meetings to discuss updates and challenges, implementation progress reports detailing key performance indicators, and the use of monitoring tools and checklists for self-assessment. Feedback mechanisms will be established for agencies to share concerns, while site visits and field assessments will offer direct insights into challenges. Collaborative action plans will be developed and reviewed regularly. Peer review sessions will encourage shared learning, and stakeholder engagement will ensure a holistic perspective on implementation. These activities will enhance transparency, accountability, and collaboration throughout the process.

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

To ensure transparency and public engagement, the results of monitoring efforts will be shared through multiple channels. Regular public reports will be published quarterly and annually, summarizing key progress, challenges, and recommendations. An interactive online dashboard will provide real-time updates, while social media campaigns will highlight key milestones and encourage public conversation. Community forums and workshops will offer direct interaction, allowing citizens to provide feedback. A regular email newsletter will keep stakeholders informed, and collaborations with local media will ensure widespread coverage. Feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, will actively involve the public, and annual open day events will further foster community engagement and transparency in the implementation of the OGP Action Plan.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Philip Mutooni Mwangangi, Youth Senator Machakos, Youth Senate Kenya

Commitments:

• Strengthening Citizen Engagement and Public Participation
• Enhancing Government Transparency and Accountability
• Digital Transformation and Innovation for Open Government
• Institutionalizing Open Government Practices