Members of the Kenya Freedom of Information Network (FOI) have held a two day strategy meeting in Nakuru to plan for a more aggressive advocacy towards realizing the passage of the Access to Information Bill 2013.
Kenya's Constitution 2010 provides for Freedom of Information but no law has been enacted to facilitate the enjoyment of this provision. There have been ongoing efforts over the last ten years towards getting law passed but this has hit a brick wall because of resistance or reluctance from the government, which fears greater scrutiny by citizens and various stakeholders groups.
The strategy meeting identified thematic areas which will be the focus in the new year as the advocacy rolls out to the Counties to attract more stakeholders. The themes identified included: Legislative Advocacy, Human Rights and Acess to Justice, Environmental Governance, Public Finance Management and Procurement, Public Participation and Devolution.
The Rift Valley Freedom of Information Network which works together with the National FOI Network also identified key themes to work on. These included: Devolution, Public Finance Management and Procurement, Environmental Governance, Public Participation and Legislative Advocacy.
Anne Gitonga of the Kenya Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-K) said the FOI team will adopt a more aggressive approach in advocating for the realization of the Access to Information law to help citizens enjoy the right to information as provided for in the constitution.
The FOI is coordinated by ICJ-K but different organizations will convene different thematic groups to enhance more ownership and coordination of the initiative.
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| Members of the FOI network at the Nakuru Meeting |
Kenya's Constitution 2010 provides for Freedom of Information but no law has been enacted to facilitate the enjoyment of this provision. There have been ongoing efforts over the last ten years towards getting law passed but this has hit a brick wall because of resistance or reluctance from the government, which fears greater scrutiny by citizens and various stakeholders groups.
The strategy meeting identified thematic areas which will be the focus in the new year as the advocacy rolls out to the Counties to attract more stakeholders. The themes identified included: Legislative Advocacy, Human Rights and Acess to Justice, Environmental Governance, Public Finance Management and Procurement, Public Participation and Devolution.
The Rift Valley Freedom of Information Network which works together with the National FOI Network also identified key themes to work on. These included: Devolution, Public Finance Management and Procurement, Environmental Governance, Public Participation and Legislative Advocacy.
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| Anne Gitonga of ICJ leads a session during the meeting |
Anne Gitonga of the Kenya Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ-K) said the FOI team will adopt a more aggressive approach in advocating for the realization of the Access to Information law to help citizens enjoy the right to information as provided for in the constitution.
The FOI is coordinated by ICJ-K but different organizations will convene different thematic groups to enhance more ownership and coordination of the initiative.
Right: A slide showing the status of Access to Information in Africa,during the workshop.
