The Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) has pledged to support Siaya County in developing an access to information policy aimed at enhancing transparency and improving service delivery.
Speaking in Siaya town, Ombudsman Chairperson Charles Dulo commended the county government for its progress in drafting a policy aligned with the Access to Information Act. To facilitate the process, the commission will deploy experts to help finalize the document, ensuring residents have seamless access to crucial public information.
“With the commission’s support, the county will be able to enact an access to information policy, making it easier for residents to obtain the information they need,” Dulo stated.
The Access to Information Act mandates public institutions to provide timely and accurate information to citizens, fostering accountability in governance. The Siaya County government’s move to establish a formal policy is expected to streamline access to official records, benefiting both residents and stakeholders.
Dulo, who led his team on a courtesy visit to Governor James Orengo, revealed that the commission would also assist the county in formulating a grievance management policy. Currently, Siaya lacks a structured framework for handling complaints and disputes, a gap that the Ombudsman aims to bridge.
“We have reviewed some of the policies under development, and we are encouraged by the county’s commitment, particularly on climate change matters,” Dulo noted. He emphasized the need for comprehensive policies to enhance governance and responsiveness to citizen concerns.
Siaya County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Prof. Jacqueline Oduol, welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the importance of a formal grievance redress mechanism. While some informal processes exist, she noted the need for an institutionalized policy to ensure efficiency and accountability.
“We appreciate the support from the commission to strengthen our grievance-handling system. Most importantly, we need a policy in place as we currently do not have one,” Prof. Oduol said.
The collaboration between the Ombudsman and Siaya County is expected to bolster good governance and transparency, ultimately fostering better service delivery and public trust in the county’s administration.
