Support Freedom of Information in Kenya

The people of Kenya recognize and appreciate the importance of Information in fostering democratic, accountable and just governments. Having the recognition entrenched in article 35 of the constitution is just the first step. FOI is fundamental in putting checks and balances as well as safeguarding the law against prejudices and abuse.

Access to information is as vital:

1. Access to Information will equip the Kenyan citizens with knowledge on their country. With the formation of the county governments, the citizens will be able to investigate the structures in place if they are in conformity with the new Constitution.

2. Access to Information will enhance the citizens to enjoy other rights as provided for in the chapter four (Bill of Rights) of the Constitution. It will also enhance access to education, health and water as provided for in chapter four of the Constitution.

3. An Access to Information legislation will enable the citizens to obtain and understand the daily operation of the government thus enhancing transparency and accountability. The citizen will seek information relating to the central and county governments that will be of public interest e.g How much money has been allocated to the counties, how much money has been allocated to the health care, education and water services and who are the beneficiaries of such allocations.

4. Access to Information will enhance citizen participation in development and democratic activities. The citizens will have a right to suggest how the constituency development funds should be utilized, they will probe and monitor constituency bursary fund and local authority transfer fund and who are the beneficiaries.

5. Access to Information will enables the citizens to probe discussions e.g employment in public institutions and the process of hiring people to the civil service.

Access to information is central to public participation in the enforcement and protection of the Constitution. It is also important in enabling citizens to play their watchdog role in safeguarding public resources.

We now have the chance again to support its legislation in parliament.