Kakamega County Joins Open Government Partnership to Advance Governance Standards

The County Government of Kakamega, in collaboration with development partners, civil society organizations, and the business community, announced the launch of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan 2025 and the Public Participation and Civic Education Policy during an event held at Golf Hotel, Kakamega. These strategic documents aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement within the county.

The OGP is a multilateral initiative that brings together reformers both within and outside governmental structures, focused on transforming service delivery for citizens through the promotion of an open and inclusive governance framework.

Representing Governor Fernandes Barasa at the event, Dr. Bonface Okoth, the County Executive Committee Member for Public Service and County Administration, expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly Mzalendo Trust, for their technical and financial contributions in formulating these comprehensive documents. He articulated that this initiative embodies a significant advance in the Governor’s six developmental pillars aimed at strengthening good governance in Kakamega County. The action plan and policy are expected to bolster citizen engagement and institutional accountability.

Dr. Okoth also mentioned the forthcoming establishment of a call center designed to facilitate communication between the government and the community, aimed at enhancing service delivery and providing transparent access to information. Furthermore, he highlighted the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman, which is currently operational and addressing citizen grievances.

Mr. Gitungo Wamere, Programme Officer at Mzalendo Trust (the OGP Civil Society Lead in Kenya), commended the County Government for its dedication to fostering transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. He underscored Mzalendo Trust’s role in promoting and monitoring legislative openness within parliaments across Kenya and Africa, and affirmed their commitment to supporting the implementation of the action plan.

The event drew a notable attendance, including Dr. Phitalis Masakhwe (Chief Officer for Service Delivery), Ben Makosi (State Director for Social Development), Nelson Majimbo (County Ombudsman), Omwendo (Director of Public Participation), representatives from civil society organizations such as KAKDET and Kakamega COP, as well as various county officials.