Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-03 07:50:18
Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo has taken a firm stand on how information is disseminated within his administration. The governor has introduced the Makueni County Access to Information Bill, 2024, which outlines strict guidelines for sharing information with the public.
According to the Bill, county officials are prohibited from sharing information with the public, except for the county secretary who serves as the designated county information officer. The county secretary has the authority to delegate this responsibility to another county government officer if needed. It is emphasized that the designated information officer must adhere to stringent regulations, as failure to do so could result in jail terms for sharing information incorrectly.
The Bill specifies that a county information officer must respond to information requests from the public within 21 days of receiving the application. Failure to do so is considered an offense and could result in a fine of up to one hundred thousand shillings or a maximum prison term of six months. In cases where the information requested is not within the officer’s possession, they are required to request it from the appropriate county government official. If the information is not handled satisfactorily, the responsible county official faces a fine of Ksh100,000 or a jail term of six months.
Moreover, there will be a Commission established to investigate instances where county officials may have erred in sharing information with the public. Failure to appear before the Commission to defend oneself could lead to a fine of Ksh300,000 or a maximum prison term of six months. Additionally, if false information is deliberately shared with malicious intent, the county government official may face a fine of Ksh300,000 or a jail term not exceeding two years.
All these offenses are subject to determination by the Commission, with the Governor playing a direct role in its formation. The Commission will ensure accountability and integrity in information sharing practices within the Makueni County government.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo’s proactive approach to transparency and accountability in the sharing of information demonstrates his commitment to good governance and upholding the public’s right to access information. The introduction of such stringent measures aims to ensure that information is shared responsibly and accurately, ultimately fostering trust and accountability within the county administration.
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