By Samson Wire
The County Government of Siaya, in collaboration with the County Assembly Committee on Governance and Administration, is participating in a two-day workshop on the implementation of the Access to Information Act 2025. The engagement brings together key county officials, development partners, civil society, and members of the media to strengthen awareness and application of the law.
The County Assembly delegation is led by the Speaker George Okode, Committee Chairperson Hon. Vincent Odawa, alongside Clerk Erick Ogenga and Deputy Clerk Sylvester Douglas Agola. From the County Executive, the team is spearheaded by Director of Public Communications and Access to Information, Mr. Chrisphine Omondi, and Director of Public Participation and Petitions, Mr. Jared Abayo. They are joined by various county information access officers tasked with advancing transparency and accountability within government operations.
The workshop is facilitated by Transparency International Kenya and the Commission on Administrative Justice, the latter formerly known as the Office of the Ombudsman. These institutions are playing a central role in guiding discussions on the legal and practical frameworks for ensuring public access to information. Additional support for the initiative is provided by development partners including the European Union and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, among others committed to promoting open governance.
Participants at the forum include representatives from the media fraternity, civil rights organizations, and other professional bodies, reflecting a multi-stakeholder approach to the implementation of the Act. The discussions are expected to enhance collaboration between government institutions and non-state actors in promoting transparency, citizen engagement, and the right to information.
The workshop is being held at the Kisumu Royal Swiss Hotel, providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Key focus areas include compliance mechanisms, institutional responsibilities, and best practices in information disclosure.
The Access to Information Act 2025 is seen as a critical tool in strengthening democratic governance by ensuring citizens have the right to access information held by public entities. County officials have reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the provisions of the Act effectively, noting that improved access to information is essential for accountability, public participation, and trust in government institutions.
The outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform policy direction and operational frameworks within Siaya County, as well as contribute to broader national efforts to entrench transparency and good governance.