Enhance access to government information for accountability, feedback, and empowerment (KEEM0003)
Overview
At-a-Glance
Action Plan: Action plan – Elgeyo Marakwet, Kenya, 2025 – 2027
Inception Report: Not available
Commitment Start: Mar 2025
Commitment End: Jun 2025
Institutions involved:
- Directorate of Communications
- Directorate of Public Service Management
- Directorate of ICT
- Elgeyo Marakwet CSOs Consortium
- Elgeyo Marakwet CSOs Network
- National Council for People Living with Disabilities (NCPLWD) Elgeyo Marakwet Branch
Primary Policy Area:
Primary Sector:
OGP Value:
- Access to information
- Civic Participation
- Technology and Innovation for Transparency and Accountability
Description
Commitment ID
KEEM0003
Commitment Title
Enhance access to government information for accountability, feedback, and empowerment
Problem
Lack of timely updates, centralized information, and accessible service delivery data limits opportunities for citizen empowerment, hampering access to entrepreneurship and scholarships opportunities, and credit resources. The absence of efficient digital governance stifles economic growth and innovation by restricting resources for entrepreneurs and job seekers. Poor information sharing and inadequate dissemination platforms weaken citizen participation in key processes, such as budget reallocations, and undermine transparency and accountability in legislative proceedings. Limited access to policy changes obscures the role of citizens in governance which further creates mistrust in government actions and restricts sustainable resource management. This lack of accessible information prevents citizens from advocating for sustainable practices and participating in development, ultimately undermining democratic processes and community progression.
Status quo
Access to government information remains limited, with only 38% of residents receiving timely updates from the county government, according to a 2021 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics survey. The lack of a centralized digital platform and limited digital infrastructure, such as for broadcasting County Assembly sessions, leaves 65% of citizens unaware of legislative proceedings (Institute for Economic Affairs, 2022). Service charters outlining service delivery standards and available resources are similarly inaccessible, deepening gaps in transparency. Additionally, a 2023 Kenya Youth Empowerment Program report shows only 30% of young people are informed about empowerment resources. Without a cohesive information platform, residents navigate disconnected sources, weakening public participation, accountability, and informed decision-making.
Action
This commitment seeks to strengthen transparency, access to information, and empowerment through robust digital governance. Key actions include publishing of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), creating ward-specific factsheets and newsletters, and ensuring timely publishing of simplified documents, production of sector-specific content and broadcasting of County Assembly sessions via digital platforms to increase public access, developing ward-specific opportunities, holding regular town hall forums, and centralizing empowerment resources on a dedicated portal. To support sustainable development, digital channels will disseminate land-use advisories and weather information. Introduction of accessible service delivery charters and complaint registers to enhance accountability and responsiveness will also be key. These measures will promote public participation, transparency, and information access, fostering an informed and engaged community ready to contribute to local development.
How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?
The implementation of this commitment is expected to significantly reduce misinformation and enhance transparency in governance and legislative processes, fostering stronger citizen engagement. Through digital platforms, citizens will gain real-time access to critical information, including weather updates, land-use advisories, service delivery standards, and County Assembly proceedings. The creation of a centralized digital portal will streamline access to various empowerment opportunities, lowering participation barriers for youth and special interest groups (SIG). These digital governance measures will ensure information is readily accessible, interactive, and responsive to community needs. The result will be a more informed citizenry, active participation in public decision-making, empowered youth and SIG members, equitable resource access, and strengthened community development.
What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?
This commitment supports long-term goals of fostering transparency, encouraging public participation, and reinforcing accountability, all contributing to the broader aim of cultivating an informed and engaged citizenry equipped to drive positive change within their communities.
Primary Policy Area
Open Data, Right to Information
Primary Sector
Media and Telecommunications, Public Services (general)
What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?
| Access to information | The commitment prioritizes making government information easily accessible. It ensures that citizens have the information they need to engage meaningfully with governance processes. |
| Civic Participation | The commitment seeks to actively involve citizens, particularly the youth, in governance. It fosters a more participatory and inclusive governance system. |
| Technology and Innovation for Transparency and Accountability | The commitment to e-governance leverage digital tools and systems to enhance the way government services are delivered and monitored. |