The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability to the citizens through access to information.
Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo says access is a right that should be enjoyed by all Kenyans as it is enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution.
“We as Government are profoundly committed to the principles that underpin basic human rights and fundamental freedoms in democratic societies. Access to information is one such right. It is not a luxury but, instead, one of the most critical cornerstones that serve as the fountainheads of modern democracy”, said Mr Owalo when he spoke at the commemoration of the 2023 International Day for Universal Access to Information celebrations in Kirinyaga County.
Mr Owalo further noted the milestones achieved in enhancing access to information following the enactment of the Access to Information Act in 2016.
“This legislation not only laid the foundation for open governance within our borders but also stood as an exemplar to countries seeking to strengthen their frameworks for access to information”, he said.
He said the government was keen on bridging the digital divide to ensure that all members of the community participate fully and benefit from opportunities in the digital space.
“Through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Kenyan Government is keen on availing free WI-FI hotspots to our people. Our target is to establish over 25,000 hotspots, with over 420 already operational in markets and bus stops nationwide”, he declared.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Prof Edward Kisiang'ani underscored the regulatory role of the Council on access to information.
“The Media Council of Kenya has been playing a facilitative role in ensuring that the media industry is regulated in a way that everybody can celebrate the freedom to access and use that information well”, he stated.
He stressed the need for exercising responsibility while accessing new forums in seeking information and called for caution, saying that the information sought should not destroy the country but promote good relations among the people to improve lives.
Media Council of Kenya CEO Mr David Omwoyo stressed the opportunities brought about by access to information in the promotion of human rights.
He encouraged the citizenry and the media to leverage the digital superhighway.
“Access to information has offered various opportunities in Kenya on the promotion and protection of human rights. I encourage citizens to tap into these opportunities to ensure that we enhance Kenya's digital superhighway”, he inferred.
Mr Omwoyo reiterated that the theme of the celebration was a time for reflection of how far the country has come in the use of technology to obtain and disseminate information.