The Nakuru County Access to Information Bill was on Friday subjected to public participation.
The Bill is being spearheaded by Deputy Speaker who is also Nakuru East Ward MCA Anthony Kamau Kanyere alias Geru.
The public participation event took place at the County Assembly of Nakuru.
During the public participation forum MIDRIFT HURINET, in collaboration with the Nakuru Civil Society Organizations Forum in their Memorandum, underscored the constitutional imperative of transparency, accountability, and citizen inclusion as articulated in Article 10 and Article 35 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
The Bill aims to bridge the information gap between the Nakuru County Government – Official and the public by institutionalizing a legal framework that facilitates timely, accessible, and proactive information dissemination.
The team emphasized embedding clear administrative structures within the County, particularly defining the roles of ward and sub-county administrators, chief officers, and the County secretary in processing and responding to information requests.
Their submission further proposed revamping the County’s Communication Systems, including its website, and establishing a localized County Commission on Administrative Justice to provide oversight and redress mechanisms.
The inclusion of sanctions for public officers who deliberately withhold public information, as recommended by Calvin Muga from MIDRIFT HURINET, aims to enforce compliance and deter opacity in Governance.
Masese Kemunche- the CEO Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance highlighted the proposal to ensure the inclusivity of persons with disabilities and marginalized groups aligns with Article 27 on equality and non-discrimination.
The Bill’s integration of proactive disclosure requirements, timely publication of budgetary and project data, and public access to information on county-affiliated entities resonates with global access to information norms and the Access to Information Act of 2016.
The forum concluded with the County Assembly committee’s constitutional duty under the Standing Orders and County Governments Act, 2012 synthesize stakeholder feedback, adjust the draft law accordingly, and table a comprehensive report.
If enacted with these recommendations, the Bill will be a critical milestone in reinforcing responsive Governance, enhancing public trust, and positioning Nakuru as a model county for open Government in Kenya.