Patmoz
By Njeri Irungu.
Nairobi, 30 June 2025 — In a significant step toward promoting transparency and good governance, the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), also known as the Office of the Ombudsman, today launched its first national report on the Milestones and Challenges in Implementing the Access to Information (ATI) Act, 2016. The event, held in Nairobi County, drew together government officials, civil society actors, media representatives, and development partners committed to strengthening access to information in Kenya.
The report provides a comprehensive assessment of how the ATI Act has been implemented across the country since its enactment nearly a decade ago. It highlights key milestones, including a noticeable increase in formal information requests by citizens and a growing number of public bodies that are now proactively disclosing data. The digitisation of records and deployment of trained information officers have further strengthened the government’s ability to meet information demands. Moreover, the development of legal and policy frameworks—such as ATI regulations and institutional guidelines—has created an environment more conducive to openness and accountability.
However, the report does not shy away from confronting the persistent challenges that threaten to undermine these gains. Limited funding has emerged as a significant barrier, affecting the Ombudsman’s ability to conduct public awareness campaigns and monitor compliance effectively. A general lack of awareness among citizens about their rights under the Act continues to limit its full potential. More troubling still is the deeply rooted culture of secrecy within many public institutions, where officers often resist information requests or delay responses unnecessarily. Weak enforcement mechanisms and inadequate penalties for non-compliance also hamper progress.
At the launch, CAJ commissioners and senior officials reiterated their commitment to tackling these challenges head-on. They called for increased budgetary support, stronger legal enforcement tools, and a shift in institutional culture to embrace transparency as a core value of public service. The report, they said, is not just a reflection of past efforts, but a call to action for the future.
The Access to Information Act, enacted in 2016, was designed to empower citizens by giving them the legal right to access public information held by the government and its agencies. As one of the few African countries with such legislation, Kenya has been seen as a regional leader in promoting open governance. This inaugural national report is therefore a landmark publication—offering insight into what has worked, what still needs improvement, and what must be done to uphold the constitutional right to information.
The full report is expected to be made available on the Commission’s official website in the coming days, allowing members of the public and stakeholders to explore its findings in greater detail.
Shadrack Nyakoe
