By Matilda Atieno
In a bold move that is set to redefine civic engagement and accountability across Kisumu County, a multi-stakeholder alliance is pushing through a comprehensive legislative package to operationalize the constitutional right of citizens to access information. This collaborative journey, spearheaded by the County Directorate of Public Affairs and the civil society group Step Up Together (SUTO), is tackling governance reform on three parallel fronts: the Bill, the Policy, and the Regulations. The initiative is not merely about writing laws; it is about building a permanent, legally anchored culture of transparency, turning Kisumu into a leading model for open governance in the devolved system.
This transformative journey is a testament to the power of collaboration. The ATI initiative is being driven by a dedicated technical working group comprising the Kisumu County Government and key CSOs, including Step Up CBO, Cheshire Disability Services Kenya (CDSK), Plan International, and Transform Empowerment Action Initiative (TEAM). Their singular mission is to build a robust legal infrastructure that converts the national constitutional right to information (Article 35) into a practical, enforceable reality at the county level.
The Kisumu County Access to Information Regulations Draft Document is an instrument that dictates the essential day-to-day mechanisms of the law. The Regulations will specify: The application forms that citizens will use. The exact fees (if any) to be charged. The procedures for internal appeals. The specific format in which information must be provided, with special attention to making it accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
CSO partner Step Up Together (SUTO) has been instrumental in convening multi-stakeholder forums to stress-test these draft Regulations, ensuring they are practical and deeply focused on inclusivity. The aim is to ensure the final law is not just enacted, but fully implementable, turning Kisumu into a model where transparency is the rule, not the exception.
What distinguishes this initiative is its deep-seated commitment to inclusivity. Multi-stakeholders have been instrumental in ensuring the final framework is not just accessible but genuinely equitable. The policy explicitly addresses the unique needs of marginalized groups and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
It mandates that information be provided in accessible formats and through appropriate technologies. By doing so, Kisumu ensures its push for transparency leaves no citizen behind, solidifying information access as a powerful enabler for broader civic participation and government accountability.
The collaborative journey in Kisumu marks a landmark moment in local governance. If passed and implemented effectively, the ATI Policy and Bill will transform the county into a model of participatory democracy, where transparency is expected, not just hoped for.