The Nandi County Government has been honoured for embracing digital technology and open governance.
The county received the prestigious award in the city of Tallian-Estonia for its dedication to building a transparent and data-driven government in which information regarding departments can be accessed with the press of a button.
According to Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei, who received the award, citizens are able to access any service digitally. “Through our open government system, anyone can access various services with a click of a button without any problem,” she said.
The county’s journey to data transparency and accountability commenced in May 2022 when it partnered with the Open Institute to set up a data desk in the county.
During the implementation process, data from different sectors was virtualized and made accessible to various stakeholders through the Nandi County website and other platforms.
Open Institute supported the county through the training of its staff and ensured that key departments like Finance, Agriculture, Health and Education had up-to-date data. The county now has a fully operational county data desk hosted in Kapsabet town with a technical team fully equipped to oversee its operations.
Nandi Governor, Mr. Stephen Sang, noted that he was elated by the award and promised to improve service delivery to the locals in an open and transparent manner.
The second-term governor, who is also the Chairman of the North Rift Economic Bloc (NoREB), said the county had been keen to make use of digital technologies to help residents participate in governance and management of their own affairs.
“I am very happy for the strides my administration has taken to ensure openness through embracing digital technology,” he said.
Open Institute is an African non-profit organisation based in Kenya but working in various parts of Africa. The institute helps to promote government transparency and active citizenship by providing cutting-edge tools, ideas, knowledge, and support to various stakeholders.
Local residents have lauded the county administration for its dedication to providing accurate and timely data for decision-making, calling on other counties to emulate the same.
The county has also established a call centre through which the public can place their inquiries, including emergency services, at the press of a button.
By Linet Wafula
