Action plan – Nandi, Kenya, 2025 – 2027

At-a-Glance

Duration

Aug 2027

Date Submitted

31st May 2025

Foreword(s)

Joint AmbitionAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should “stretch government practice beyond its current baseline with respect to key areas of open government.” Ambition captures the po... Statement – Open Government Plan

As a multi-stakeholder forumRegular dialogue between government and civil society is a core element of OGP participation. It builds trust, promotes joint problem-solving, and empowers civil society to influence the design, imple... comprising government and civil society representatives, we jointly commit to advancing open governance through an integrated and inclusive approach anchored on three strategic commitments: Enhancing Access to Information and Inclusivity, Improving Public Service DeliveryTo ensure that citizens of all groups are better supported by the government, OGP participating governments are working to improve the quality of and access to public services. Commitments in this are... More, and Promoting the Social InclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr... More of Persons with Disabilities (PLWDs), YouthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... More, and Women.

Our ambition is to create a transparent, participatory, and accountable county governance framework that ensures equitable access to public information, efficient and responsive service delivery, and meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups in decision-making processes. These three commitments are interconnected and will be implemented and monitored collaboratively to reinforce each other’s impact.

• Access to Information and Inclusivity will empower citizens—especially youth, women, and PLWDs—with timely, relevant, and disaggregated data, enabling them to make informed decisions and engage meaningfully in governance.

• Public Service Delivery reforms will translate this engagement into action, ensuring that services are delivered closer to the people, guided by community needs, and evaluated through citizen feedback mechanisms.

• Social Inclusion will institutionalize equity by building the capacity of marginalized groups to participate in planning, budgeting, and oversight—ensuring that no one is left behind.

These commitments will be monitored through joint government-CSO frameworks, performance scorecards, community feedback platforms, and periodic public forums. Together, they represent a bold step towards a more open, inclusive, and accountable government that reflects the voices and needs of all citizens.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

Our long-term vision is to build a transparent, accountable, and inclusive government that fosters active citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More and leverages technology to improve service delivery and governance. We aim for every resident—regardless of genderOGP participating governments are bringing gender perspectives to popular policy areas, ensuring diversity in participatory processes, and specifically targeting gender gaps in policies to address gov... More, age, ability, or socioeconomic status—to have equitable access to timely, accurate information and meaningful opportunities to influence decisions affecting their lives.

Rooted in openness, responsiveness, and integrity, this vision ensures efficient management of public resources, accountability of officials, and policies reflecting community needs and aspirations.

Key pillars include:

• TransparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More: Institutionalizing open dataBy opening up data and making it sharable and reusable, governments can enable informed debate, better decision making, and the development of innovative new services. Technical specifications: Polici... and real-time disclosure of budgets, procurement, and services.

• Inclusivity: Removing barriers for marginalized groups like women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

• Civic Participation: Strengthening citizen engagement through digital platforms, forums, and participatory budgeting.

• Accountability: Embedding feedback and monitoring to evaluate government performance and build trust.

• Innovation: Using digital tools to improve accessibility, efficiency, and responsiveness.

Guided by this vision, our action plan commits to reforms advancing open government values, building strong government–civil society partnerships, and empowering citizens to shape a just and prosperous county.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

Nandi County has made notable progress in open government reforms, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. Key achievements include:

• County Data Desk (May 2022): Launched with the Open Institute and World Bank to collect, analyze, and publish county data, enhancing transparency and informed decision-making.

• 2023 Open Government Awards: Won the Digital Technologies award for Africa and the Middle East, recognizing its data-driven governance initiatives like the Data Desk.

• Open ContractingA transparent procurement process, known as open contracting, increases competition, improves public service delivery, and ensures governments better value for their money. Technical specifications: C... More: Developed an Open Contracting Portal to boost transparency and public access to procurement contracts.

• Toll-Free Call Centre (2019): Established the 1548 line to enhance citizen engagement, offering free access to information and feedback.

• Public ParticipationGiving citizens opportunities to provide input into government decision-making leads to more effective governance, improved public service delivery, and more equitable outcomes. Technical specificatio... in Budgeting: Held inclusive forums, such as the 2025 Fiscal Strategy Paper engagement, enabling residents to influence planning and budgeting.

• Ward Equitable Development Act (2023): Mandates 50% of development funds be allocated at ward level, empowering communities to identify, implement, and oversee projects, promoting decentralization and accountability.

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

The challenges and areas for improvement in open government for Nandi County:

• Limited Accessibility of Information: Despite initiatives like the Data Desk, many citizens, especially in rural areas, still face difficulties accessing timely and relevant government data.

• Digital Divide: Inadequate internet connectivity and low digital literacy limit the reach and effectiveness of online platforms and digital tools.

• Inadequate Public Participation: Some marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, remain underrepresented in decision-making forums and feedback mechanisms.

• Fragmented Feedback Systems: Existing citizen engagement channels lack integration, leading to delays in response and limited tracking of public concerns.

• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and technical resources hinder the scaling and sustainability of transparency and accountability initiatives.

• Capacity Gaps: There is a need to enhance the skills and knowledge of county staff and community leaders on open governance principles and tools.

• Monitoring and Evaluation Weaknesses: The county requires stronger mechanisms to track implementation progress and measure the impact of open government reforms.

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

The medium-term open government goals that Nandi County aims to achieve:

• Expand Access to Public Information: Ensure that government data and information are widely accessible, timely, and user-friendly, reaching marginalized and rural populations.

• Enhance Citizen Participation: Strengthen inclusive engagement platforms to increase meaningful involvement of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in governance processes.

• Digitize Service Delivery and Feedback Systems: Develop integrated digital tools for efficient public service monitoring, reporting, and citizen feedback to improve responsiveness.

• Build Capacity for Transparency and Accountability: Train county staff and civil society partners on open governance best practices, data literacy, and participatory decision-making.

• Improve Coordination and Resource Mobilization: Secure sustainable financial and technical resources to support open government initiatives and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

• Strengthen Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: Establish robust systems to track progress, assess impact, and continuously improve open government reforms.

These goals will foster a more transparent, accountable, and participatory governance environment over the next 3 to 5 years.

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

The action plan’s three commitments—Enhancing Access to Information and Inclusivity, Improving Public Service Delivery, and Promoting Social Inclusion of PLWDs, Youth, and Women—directly advance the Open Government Strategic Vision by:

• Expanding Transparency: By increasing access to real-time data, digital platforms, and citizen feedback mechanisms, the plan ensures government operations are open and information is accessible to all.

• Fostering Accountability: Institutionalizing performance monitoring and citizen engagement tools holds public officials accountable for service quality and responsiveness.

• Enhancing Civic Participation: Inclusive engagement platforms empower marginalized groups to actively participate in governance, ensuring their voices influence decisions.

• Promoting Equity: Targeted actions for PLWDs, youth, and women reduce barriers, enabling fair access to information and services, which supports equitable development.

• Building Capacity and Sustainability: Training and multi-stakeholder collaboration strengthen skills and institutionalize open government practices.

Together, these efforts create a transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance culture, fulfilling the long-term vision of a responsive, participatory, and equitable government in Nandi County.

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

The Open Government Strategic Vision contributes to the current administration’s policy goals by fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, which are essential for effective governance and sustainable development. It supports the administration’s priorities by:

• Enhancing Service Delivery: Transparent and accountable systems improve efficiency and responsiveness, ensuring citizens receive quality public services.

• Promoting Inclusive Growth: By prioritizing access to information and participation for marginalized groups, the vision advances social equity and empowerment, aligning with policies on social inclusion.

• Strengthening Democratic Governance: Open decision-making processes build public trust, reduce corruption, and encourage civic participation, reinforcing democratic principles.

• Driving Evidence-Based Policy: Access to reliable data and citizen feedback enables informed decision-making, improving policy formulation and implementation.

• Supporting Economic Development: Transparency in resource management and procurement attracts investment and ensures prudent use of public funds, boosting economic growth.

Overall, the strategic vision acts as a foundation that aligns open government reforms with the administration’s broader goals of accountable, inclusive, and sustainable development in Nandi County.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• Chief Officer for Department Administration, Public Service and ICT in Nandi County
• National Coordinator, National Tax Payers Association
• Senior Program Officer, Mzalendo Trust

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

Nandi County has established several institutional arrangements to coordinate effective implementation of its Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More (OGP) action plan:

• County Open Government Steering CommitteeThe Steering Committee is OGP’s executive decision-making body. Its role is to develop, promote and safeguard OGP’s values, principles and interests; establish OGP’s core ideas, policies, and ru...: This multi-stakeholder committee includes representatives from key government departments, civil society, and development partners. It provides strategic oversight, coordinates activities, and ensures alignment with the county’s open government goals.

• County Data Desk: Serving as a technical hub, the Data Desk facilitates data management, transparency initiatives, and information sharing among departments, enabling evidence-based decision-making.

• Public Participation and Engagement Units: These units within various departments ensure continuous dialogue with citizens and civil society organizations, fostering collaborative governance.

• Sector Working Groups: Specialized groups focus on thematic areas such as service delivery, fiscal openness, and social inclusion, promoting cross-departmental coordination and joint implementation.

• Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: Regular reviews and reporting mechanisms are institutionalized to track progress, address challenges, and adjust strategies across government entities.

These will promote coordinated action, foster collaboration between government and civil society, and ensure the OGP commitments are effectively implemented and monitored in Nandi County.

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

Nandi County has established multiple spaces to foster collaboration between government and civil society in co-creating and implementing the Open Government action plan:

Offline Spaces:

• County Open Government Forums: Regular meetings with government officials, CSOs, and community reps to discuss progress and plan activities.

• Public Participation Forums: Ward-level town halls and sector workshops for direct citizen and CSO engagement.

• Multi-stakeholder Working Groups: Committees with government and civil society focusing on transparency, service delivery, and inclusion.

• Capacity BuildingEnhancing the skills, abilities, and processes of public servants, civil society, and citizens is essential to achieving long-lasting results in opening government. Technical specifications: Set of ac... Workshops: Joint training to strengthen skills in open governance principles and tools.

Online Spaces:

• County Data Desk Portal: Publishes data and enables feedback for transparency and monitoring.

• Social Media Channels: Platforms for updates, input solicitation, and citizen engagement.

• Email and Virtual Meetings: Regular video consultations to ensure continuous collaboration.

These combined offline and online spaces enable inclusive, ongoing dialogue and partnership between government and civil society.

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

To ensure diversity of representation, including vulnerable and marginalized populations, Nandi County implemented the following measures:

• Targeted Outreach: Proactively invited women, youth, persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), and representatives of marginalized communities to participate in forums and working groups.

• Accessible Venues: Held physical meetings in easily reachable locations with accommodations for persons with disabilities (ramps, sign language interpreters).

• Multilingual Communication: Used local languages alongside English and Kiswahili to ensure wider understanding and participation.

• Flexible Scheduling: Scheduled meetings at times convenient for various groups, including farmers, youth, and working citizens.

• Use of Technology: Leveraged digital platforms with accessible features to reach those unable to attend in person, including remote rural areas.

• Partnerships with CSOs: Collaborated with civil society organizations that specifically advocate for vulnerable groups to amplify their voices

Who participated in these spaces?

The co-creation spaces included diverse participants such as:

• Government Officials: Representatives from various county departments including planning, ICT, finance, health, and social services.

• Civil Society Organizations: Local and national NGOs focused on governance, transparency, disability rights, youth empowerment, and women’s advocacy.

• Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs): Individuals and representatives from disability support groups ensuring their needs were integrated.

• Youth Representatives: Youth leaders from community groups and youth-focused organizations.

• Women’s Groups: Leaders and members from women’s associations advocating for gender equality and inclusion.

• Community Elders and Leaders: Influential local leaders providing grassroots perspectives.

• Private SectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat... More: Local business representatives contributing on service delivery and economic development.

• Academia and Experts: Scholars and practitioners providing technical input on governance and data use.

• General Public: Citizens attending public forums who provided feedback and ideas.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

7

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive...?

5

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

They will:

• Hold regular multi-stakeholder forums for progress review and dialogue

• Establish joint monitoring and evaluation committees

• Facilitate continuous data sharing and transparency through digital platforms

• Conduct community engagement sessions to gather citizen feedback

• Implement inclusive communication channels to reach marginalized groups

• Coordinate capacity-building and technical support workshops

• Foster partnerships for co-creation of solutions and adaptive learning

• Ensure accountability through shared reporting and public updates

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

Institute of Risk Management Kenya (IRM-K)

It is a non-profit professional, educational, and research institution established in 2011. It aims to address the growing need for risk management educationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation ... in Kenya and the wider Sub-Saharan Africa region. IRM-K has become a leading reference in the field of enterprise risk management in Kenya and around Sub-Saharan Africa. The Institute educates risk professionals and leaders and generates research, ideas, and risk management tools linked to the business community and wider public organizations, continuing to shape the practice of enterprise risk management in the region.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Mr. Jonathan Khoki, Executive Director, [email protected]

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

For monitoring the Nandi County Action Plan, the following activities will be in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders:

• Quarterly Progress Review Meetings: Regular forums with government, civil society, and community representatives to assess implementation status and address challenges.

• Public Forums and Town Halls: Engagement sessions at ward and county levels to gather citizen feedback and promote transparency.

• Joint Monitoring Reports: Collaborative reports prepared and shared with all stakeholders highlighting achievements, gaps, and recommendations.

• Online Dashboards and Portals: Real-time updates on key indicators accessible to stakeholders and the public.

• Workshops and Capacity Building: Training sessions for stakeholders on monitoring tools, reporting mechanisms, and data analysis.

• Stakeholder Surveys and Feedback Mechanisms: Structured collection of input from beneficiaries and partners to inform adjustments.

• Annual Evaluation Conferences: Larger multi-stakeholder meetings to review overall progress and plan next steps.

These activities will ensure continuous dialogue, accountability, and inclusive participation in tracking the action plan’s implementation.

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

We will:

• Hold Monthly Coordination Meetings with agency representatives to review activities and address challenges.

• Require Monthly Progress Reports detailing achievements, delays, and resource needs.

• Use a Digital Monitoring Dashboard for real-time tracking of key performance indicators.

• Conduct Field Visits and Spot Checks to verify on-ground progress.

• Facilitate Periodic Joint Review Sessions involving multiple agencies for cross-sector coordination.

• Establish a Feedback Loop where agencies receive timely responses and guidance on reports submitted.

• Engage Technical Support Teams to assist agencies in overcoming implementation hurdles.

This structured approach will ensure consistent oversight, timely problem-solving, and sustained momentum in implementation.

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

We will share monitoring results with the public through:

• Regular Public Reports: Publishing quarterly and annual progress reports on the county website and social media.

• Open Data Portals: Updating dashboards with real-time data on commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... progress accessible to all.

• Community Forums and Town Halls: Presenting findings and gathering feedback directly from citizens.

• Media Engagement: Using local radio, newspapers, and TV to broadcast key updates and success stories.

• Partnership with Civil Society: Collaborating with CSOs to disseminate information widely and ensure transparency.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Irene Otieno, National Coordinator, National Tax Association
• Gitungo Wamere, Senior Program Officer, Mzalendo Trust

Commitments:

• Enhance Access to Information and Inclusivity
• Improve Public Service Delivery
• Social Inclusion of People Living With Disabilities, Youth, and Women