Enhancing Government Transparency and Accountability (KEMAC0002)
Overview
At-a-Glance
Action Plan: Action plan – Machakos, Kenya, 2025 – 2027
Inception Report: Not available
Commitment Start: May 2025
Commitment End: May 2027
Institutions involved:
- Department of Finance, Economic Planning, Revenue Management and ICT
- Violet Mbiti Foundation
- Abled Differently
Primary Policy Area:
Primary Sector:
OGP Value:
- Access to information
- Public Accountability
- Technology and Innovation for Transparency and Accountability
Description
Commitment ID
KEMAC0002
Commitment Title
Enhancing Government Transparency and Accountability
Problem
Key financial documents, and budgets are not consistently published in accessible formats, limiting public oversight and civic engagement. The absence of quarterly budget transparency reports weakens accountability. Additionally, the county lacks a structured framework for tracking governance and service delivery performance, making it difficult to assess progress, address gaps, and implement evidence-based policies. To foster public trust and strengthen governance, Machakos County must establish open data policies and institutionalize regular financial and performance reporting.
Status quo
Machakos County currently lacks a comprehensive open data policy framework to promote transparency and accountability in public finance management. Key documents such as financial reports, and county budgets are inconsistently published and often inaccessible to the public. The absence of a centralized Open Data Portal and routine quarterly budget transparency reports further limits access to critical government information. The county has yet to institutionalize regular performance audits or open governance reporting, making it challenging to track progress, identify service delivery gaps, and implement evidence-based policy reforms. These shortcomings weaken accountability mechanisms and restrict meaningful citizen participation in governance.
Action
Machakos County commits to enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement through open governance mechanisms. This includes establishing a centralized Open Data Portal to provide public access to financial reports, procurement data, and county budgets in user-friendly formats. The county will also publish quarterly budget transparency reports to improve financial oversight and accountability, and institutionalize annual Open Governance Reports to evaluate service delivery, track progress, and address gaps. These initiatives aim to improve public access to government information, foster civic participation, and strengthen accountability in public finance management. Ultimately, this commitment seeks to build a culture of openness, restore citizen trust, and promote data-driven decision-making for better service delivery across Machakos County.
How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?
The implementation of this commitment will result in:
Key Outputs: Operational Open Data Portal – Provides public access to government data. Quarterly Budget Transparency Reports – Enhances financial openness and accountability. Annual Open Governance Reports – Tracks progress and ensures continued transparency.
Expected Outcomes: Increased public access to financial and procurement information. Improved efficiency and reduced corruption in government procurement. Enhanced accountability in service delivery. Greater citizen and civil society participation in governance and oversight. Strengthened public trust through transparency and inclusive decision-making. More data-driven governance, improving service delivery aligned with community needs.
What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?
This commitment directly supports the long-term goal of making Machakos County a model open government county that sets the standard for transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in Kenya and beyond. By establishing an Open Data Portal, implementing e-Procurement, and institutionalizing regular transparency reports, the county moves toward achieving 100% digital accessibility for governance processes. It also strengthens citizen oversight through participatory budgeting and access to real-time financial and policy data. These efforts lay the foundation for a fully digital, inclusive, and accountable county government that empowers citizens to engage meaningfully in decision-making and service delivery oversight.
Primary Policy Area
Fiscal Openness, Open Data
Primary Sector
Cross-sectoral, Public Services (general)
What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?
| Access to information | The commitment ensures that key government documents such as budgets, procurement records, and financial reports are proactively published in user-friendly formats through an Open Data Portal. This empowers citizens with timely and accurate information to understand and monitor how public resources are being used. |
| Public Accountability | By introducing quarterly budget transparency reports and annual Open Governance Reports, the commitment provides mechanisms for tracking government performance and holding county officials accountable for service delivery and financial decisions. |
| Technology and Innovation for Transparency and Accountability | The adoption of an e-Procurement system and other digital tools introduces modern, efficient platforms that reduce manual processes, minimize corruption risks, and improve transparency in real time enhancing both accountability and public trust. |