The Kenyan government has published a new Access to Information Policy outlining how public institutions and some private bodies would share information with its citizens. Breaking It Down Published in a Gazette notice dated October 9, 2026, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, in collaboration with the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), sought to address gaps in the implementation of the Act of 2016. A
10/11/26 • 47
The Kenyan government has published a new Access to Information Policy outlining how public institutions and some private bodies would share information with its citizens.
🇰🇪 Breaking It Down
Published in a Gazette notice dated October 9, 2026, the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, in collaboration with the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), sought to address gaps in the implementation of the Act of 2016.
According to the government, within the already existing legal framework, there have been challenges that have been faced, some of them including poor records management, bureaucratic delays, inconsistent approaches to how information is disclosed, inadequate resources, and also a culture of secrecy that has existed within public institutions.
Based on the new policy, public entities and other private bodies are required to routinely publish information of public interest instead of waiting for citizens to submit formal requests.
📌 What You Need to Know
Additionally, institutions are required to establish clear procedures for handling information requests and to communicate decisions on time.
The institutions will also be required to provide written reasons and inform the requester of the right to appeal. This way, Kenyans will access information through copies of documents, electronic records, inspection, or summaries.
Additionally, information will be generally provided at no cost apart from reasonable charges associated with reproducing or supplying it.
This, according to the government, will help maintain accuracy and accessibilit y to records with technology used to improve records management and digitisation.
The policy also calls for institutions to establish mechanisms that protect people who disclose information about wrongdoing in the public interest and in good faith, including safeguards against being victimised.
Under the framework, compliance will be overseen by the Commission on Administrative Justice, which will also review decisions involving alleged violations of the right of access to information.
📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke
