The Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) will support the Siaya County government to develop a policy on access to information, Chairperson Charles Dulo has said.
Addressing the Press in Siaya town, Dulo who led a team from the Commission said though Siaya was almost half way in working on a policy that will lead to the enactment of the Access to information act in the County Assembly, his office will second technocrats to enable the devolved unit come up with a document that helps locals access information with ease.
“With the support from the Commission, they will be able to finalise the policy and enact an access to information act so that the people of Siaya could easily access the information they need,” he said.
Dulo who had earlier led his team in paying a courtesy call on Governor James Orengo said the technocrats from his office will help the county come up with a policy on grievance management which, he noted, was lacking.
“We have reviewed some of their policies that they are working on and we are encouraged that they are taking a lead on matters climate change,” said the Ombudsman.
He said that the Kenyan citizenry was well informed and was always seeking for information right from the village level.
Addressing the occasion, Siaya Executive Committee Member for Environment, Professor Jacqueline Oduol said though the county has grievance and redress mechanisms, there was no policy to guide the same.
Prof. Oduol said the county however has a toll-free number where the public can channel their grievances and get feedback.
“We have toll free numbers and I appreciate that we are going to get support so that this mechanism is strengthened and much importantly, we get a policy as we do not have one at the moment,” she said.
By Philip Onyango
