Nakuru: Kenyans can now track projects implemented by the County Government of Nakuru from their computers or smartphones. This follows the launch of a disclosure portal that will provide stakeholders with up-to-date information on all financial reports, budgetary allocations, policies, and project development milestones of the devolved unit.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 'Gundua Info App', a digital platform developed by the Centre for Transformational Leadership (CTL), will provide key project data and documentation as the projects across the 11 Sub-Counties progress through various stages of implementation. 'This disclosure portal will not only allow Kenyans but the whole world to see what the county government is doing. The mobile app, now available on the Play Store, aims to promote inclusive governance and strengthen public oversight in project implementation across Nakuru County,' said Chief Officer for Public Service Management and Devolution Dr. Charles Koech.
Presiding over the portal's launch, Dr. Koech stated that the application will serve as a vital link between citizens and the County Government and will also enable residents to provide feedback, creating a two-way communication channel thus enhancing transparency and accountability. The Chief Officer indicated that the innovative tools aimed at advancing open governance were a response to the requirements of the constitution, the access to information act, 2016 and the public private partnerships act, 2013.
'Governor Susan Kihika has been very keen to enable residents to track projects being carried out by the county government and its financial activities in real time. Under her leadership, we have the Efficiency and Monitoring Unit (EMU) in place. Further, there is ongoing legislative work on the Nakuru County Access to Information Bill, 2025, which seeks to legally guarantee mwananchi the right to public information,' stated Dr. Koech.
The 'Gundua Info App' will allow residents and development partners to monitor the devolved unit's projects at the sub-location, location, and regional levels, ensuring comprehensive coverage. 'The digital platform will facilitate real-time tracking of project progress, with Artificial Intelligence-powered evaluation of delayed projects and feedback on challenges. The development of the digital platforms aligns with the Kenyan government's efforts to increase citizen participation in governance,' observed the Chief Officer.
Dr. Koech said the tool will enhance investors' confidence and help towards delivering sustainable and inclusive services that promote economic growth in the county. 'Procuring public assets with integrity and sincerely listening to citizens, users, and stakeholders when designing and delivering infrastructure services are critical to the success of taxpayer-funded projects in Kenya,' he added.
The platform will afford the residents a clear report of the contract amounts, bidding processes, and criteria for choosing winners. While indicating that the initiative reflects 'true accountability' and one way of holding the county government to account, Dr. Koech pledged that all projects undertaken by the devolved unit-be it roads, dams, schools, and water supply systems, among others-will be placed in the system so that interested parties can peruse the documents and query if they find something that's not adding up.
'We are committed to bringing to an end stories of incomplete or abandoned projects. We will not tolerate dubious contracts that end up being a drain on taxpayers and through this digital system we want to ensure credibility,' he affirmed. Dr. Koech observed that the realisation of Vision 2030 goals in Kenya is dependent on both levels of government' willingness to improve access to information to boost public participation.
He said citizens' awareness, acceptance, and ownership of milestone projects are key to Kenya's development. 'Access to information, apart from being a basic right, is a key ingredient that will spur economic growth, based on citizens' knowledge of why development projects will benefit them,' he said. He pointed out that Kenyans also want to know more about projects' impact on their communities and have access to information about project timelines and budgets. Dr. Koech stated that Kenyans also need information about public procurement processes, including who is awarded contracts and the terms of those contracts.