Nakuru: The County Assembly of Nakuru is working on a new bill aimed at enhancing transparency in the devolved unit's institutional operations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Nakuru Information Bill 2025, if passed into law, is expected to give the residents legal right to access information held by the county government's institutions.
The proposed bill was sponsored by County Deputy Speaker, who is also a Member for County Assembly (MCA) for Nakuru East Ward, Anthony Kamau Kanyere, also known as Geru. Beyond granting access, the bill outlines a clear framework requiring public entities to disclose the information they hold, both proactively and upon request in accordance with the constitutional principles of transparency and accountability.
The bill aims to protect whistleblowers who share information in the public interest and in good faith. It further seeks to create a structure for educating the public about their right to access to information under this law. According to the bill, residents who need to request information will need to submit an application, which can be done either formally or informally, depending on the nature of the request and the institution involved.
Formal applications are proposed to be submitted in writing, either in English or Kiswahili, with enough details to help the relevant county government office understand exactly what information is being sought. If an applicant is unable to make a written request due to illiteracy or disability, the county information officer will take steps to ensure the request is made in a manner that meets their needs.
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed, and a county official must respond promptly, within 21 days at the latest. If no response is received within this period, the request will automatically be considered rejected. If approved, the applicant will be notified in writing within 15 working days.
Access to certain types of information may be restricted, particularly if it compromises national security, interferes with ongoing legal processes, or poses a risk to health, safety, or life. Information may also be withheld if its release could significantly harm the government's ability to manage the national economy or damage the commercial interests of either the county entity or a third party.
Flamingo Ward MCA David Muraya Muna is among the MCAs endorsing the Nakuru Information Bill 2025. According to Muraya, supporting such a bill is a constitutional obligation and a strategic legislative move allowing MCAs to exercise better executive oversight, access timely data on county expenditures and projects, and engage in informed, evidence-based law-making.
Muraya highlighted that the transparency framework will empower constituents to scrutinize public funds, hold leaders accountable, and demand better service delivery in key sectors such as infrastructure, health, and sanitation. He emphasized that increasing civic access to county information would uplift marginalized groups, ensuring inclusive governance.
Politically, Muraya argued that MCAs who champion transparency laws are more likely to gain public trust and credibility as reformers, which is an asset in the shifting political climate leading into the next election cycle. He called for the timely publication of information, clear communication frameworks, and practical penalties for non-compliance to safeguard the bill's implementation.