Kenya has rolled out an updated administrative framework designed to enforce compliance with the Access to Information Act, targeting long-standing delays across government ministries, state corporations, and county executives.
While the right to access public records is enshrined in Article 35 of the Constitution, citizen requests have historically faced administrative inertia or outright non-responsiveness.
Shift to Proactive Disclosure
The new guidelines require state bodies to publish key operational records before citizens request them:
Procurement & Tenders: Mandatory publication of awarded contract values, bidding companies, and beneficial ownership details on open portals.
Budget Execution: Quarterly spending breakdowns for national projects and county development funds.
Public Service Recruitment: List of shortlisted candidates, interviewing panels, and final hiring metrics.
“Government agencies face new compliance rules compelling them to proactively publish public expenditure records and procurement data. Here is how citizens can request government information.”
Step-by-Step: How to File an Information Request
[ Submit Written Request ] ➔ [ 21-Day Statutory Processing ] ➔ [ Disclosure or Appeal Review ]
Identify the Institution: Direct your request to the designated Information Officer or Chief Executive of the relevant public agency.
Specify Required Records: State clearly the specific documents, contracts, or report details you require.
Statutory Timeline: Public offices are legally obligated to provide a response or decision within 21 working days.
Appeals Track: If a request is denied without valid statutory security exemptions, citizens can lodge an appeal with the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman).
Read more governance and transparency guides in our Explainers section.
How we reported this
Compiled from statutory guidelines issued under the Access to Information Act and public sector compliance audits.
