Celebrating the Right to Know: International Day for Universal Access to Information 2024 in Kenya
The right to access information is a pillar of democracy and good governance. This September, Twaweza, Kenya, marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2024 with informative engagements that underscored the importance of this fundamental right.
In Nelson Mandela’s words, “Information is a basic human right and the foundation for the formation of democratic institutions.”
The celebrations started with an X-chat (Twitter) on September 19th, hosted by Katiba Institute, a civil society organisation that regularly uses Article 35 on Access to Information (ATI) to give effect to the constitutional principles of transparency, accountability, and freedom of expression. This digital dialogue set the stage for a week-long exploration of the critical role access to information plays in facilitating effective public participation. Following the online discourse, a webinar on September 23rd delved deeper into the experiences, challenges, and best practices in access to information in Kenya.
Our week-long engagement culminated in the IDUAI 2024 celebration held on September 27th at Safari Park Hotel. Co-hosted by the Katiba Institute and the Media Council of Kenya, this event brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, journalists, civil society organisations, and citizens. The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, all centred around the theme “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in a Digitized Public Sector.”
We were particularly inspired by Dennis Omondi, Resident Country Director of the National Democratic Institute in Kenya: “Access to information is necessary for public participation. Without access to information, public participation loses its input and value. One cannot exist without the other.”
Other speakers included:
- Ms. Mercy Wambua, OGW, Commission Secretary/CEO, Commission of Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman)
- Eric Oduor, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Journalists
- Rosalia Omungo, CEO of Kenya Editors Guild
Key highlights from the event included:
- The CEO of the Commission for Administrative Justice announced a significant milestone: confirmation that parliament had approved regulations on access to information in 2023. This marks a significant milestone in fully implementing the ATI Act.
- Ms. Mercy Wambua (CAJ) shared a highlight from a survey the commission conducted in 2019 on proactive disclosure across counties, with Makueni highlighted as the most proactive in sharing information.
- A panel discussion moderated by Kevin Mabonga, Communications and Public Lead at Katiba Institute, covered implementation scorecards, law enforcement, the impact of digitisation on proactive disclosure, and the role of AI in journalism.
However, despite the progress and challenges in implementing Kenya’s Access to Information Act of 2016, the ongoing difficulties were pointed out. Rosalia Omungo, CEO of the Kenya Editors Guild, highlighted journalism’s threats and the need for innovation in media business models to adapt to the changing landscape.
The way forward
While progress has been made, there’s still work to be done. The digital age presents both opportunities and challenges for access to information. On one hand, it has the potential to make information more readily available; on the other, it risks creating new forms of exclusion.
Moving forward, we must continue to:
- Advocate for the full implementation of access to information laws
- Promote proactive disclosure of information by public entities
- Leverage technology to enhance accessibility while ensuring inclusivity
- Support journalism and media innovation to safeguard the public’s right to know
- Foster a culture of transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors
Let’s remember that access to information is not just a legal right but a vital tool for empowering citizens, fostering participation, and building a more transparent and accountable society. Through our continued efforts, we strive to create a Kenya where every citizen can confidently assert, “I Deserve to Know.” After all, as the theme of IDUAI 2024 reminds us, mainstreaming access to information is critical to a truly participatory democracy in the digital age.
