Institutionalizing Open Government Practices (KEMAC0004)

Commitment ID

KEMAC0004

Commitment Title

Institutionalizing Open Government Practices

Problem

Machakos County faces gaps in transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. The lack of structured participation frameworks for civil society organizations (CSOs) and the public results in minimal citizen involvement in governance. Without formal channels, government decisions lack scrutiny, limiting feedback and collaboration. A key challenge is the absence of participation mechanisms beyond occasional ward meetings, which lack follow-up, weakening democracy and fostering disillusionment. Limited engagement between the county government and CSOs leads to inefficiencies and missed partnership opportunities. The lack of accessible, transparent information worsens governance issues. While some documents are published, they are often too technical for citizens to understand. Addressing these gaps is crucial for fostering inclusive, transparent governance, strengthening accountability, and promoting a participatory democracy in Machakos County.

Status quo

Public participation mechanisms remain limited, primarily taking place through ward-level meetings that do not always provide a continuous platform for dialogue between citizens and government representatives. As a result, many residents feel excluded from decision-making processes that directly impact their lives. Moreover, transparency efforts within the county government, such as the publication of budget documents and policy plans, face significant challenges in accessibility and clarity. While some financial documents may be made publicly available, they are often presented in technical formats that are difficult for the average citizen to interpret.

Action

The commitment seeks to institutionalize open government principles in Machakos County by establishing a dedicated Open Government and Citizen Engagement Unit. This unit will serve as the central hub for promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. It will facilitate structured engagement with civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and citizens, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes and policy implementation. Through this initiative, Machakos County aims to strengthen trust, enhance service delivery, and foster a more open and participatory governance culture.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

This commitment will: Establish a dedicated Open Government and Citizen Engagement Unit to coordinate open governance, enhance public participation, and monitor progress. Develop and publish a structured engagement framework for CSOs and citizens, defining clear roles and mechanisms for involvement in governance and policy-making. Organize quarterly forums to facilitate direct dialogue between the government, CSOs, and citizens on policies, budgets, and service delivery. Create a digital platform for CSOs to register, access key government documents, and engage in discussions. Improve access to budget, procurement, and policy information for citizens by publishing government data and policies in accessible formats with simplified summaries to enhance transparency.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment aligns with Machakos County’s vision of a transparent, participatory, and accountable governance system that fosters inclusive policy-making, enhances civic trust, and strengthens democratic governance.

Primary Policy Area

Civic Space, Inclusion

Primary Sector

Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?