Elgeyo Marakwet County is among fifteen sub-governments picked to participate in an international accountability drive that aims to promote transparency in governance.
The US-headquartered programme, dubbed ‘International Open Government Partnership Pilot Program (OGP), targets to promote transparent and accountable open government at the local level.
Founded in 2011 by eight States - Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, Britain and the United States - and nine civil society organisations, it has grown to 69 participating countries currently.
“Every one of the subnational governments chosen for this project has already distinguished itself by recognising that open and responsive governments are better governments,” said incoming OGP chief executive Sanjay Pradhan.
“OGP is tapping into a growing desire from governments who are looking for new ways to interact with citizens, build trust in government and harness the opportunities provided by new technologies to improve the lives of all citizens.”
Other local governments chosen from the list of 50 applicants include the state Austin in the US, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Jalisco in Mexico, Tanzania’s Kigoma Municipality, among others.
The Controller of Budgets Agnes Adhiambo has in the past put counties on the spot for misuse of public funds.
A 2015 report states that there is continuous rise in allowances earned by Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
Elgeyo Marakwet says it has committed to changes to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.
OGP participating countries have already made over 2,250 commitments to make their governments more open and accountable.
US President Barrack Obama has in the past applauded the initiative saying, “this is exactly the type of partnership we need now...showing how innovations in open government can make countries more prosperous and more just.”
