OMBUDSMAN FLAGS 600 COMPLAINTS OVER WITHHELD PUBLIC INFORMATION ,AS PS'S FAULT THE COMMISSION OVER LAX FOLLOW UP

PhotoCaption Chairperson of Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman office)Mr Charles Dulo .

By Erick Wanjala

The Office of the Ombudsman has raised concern over increasing complaints from citizens regarding government ministries and state agencies failing to provide public information as required by law.

According to the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), more than 300 formal complaints have been lodged this year alone from individuals and organizations alleging that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) have ignored or delayed requests for information.

Ombudsman officials noted that this trend undermines the constitutional right of access to information, which is essential for transparency, accountability, and good governance.

“Public offices have a duty to facilitate access to information. When they fail, they not only frustrate citizens but also weaken trust in government institutions,” the Ombudsman’s Chairperson Mr Charles Dulo stated

The commission revealed that a significant number of the complaints relate to procurement records, employment data, and public expenditure reports, which many MDAs have been reluctant to release despite repeated follow-ups.

The Ombudsman has urged ministries and agencies to fully comply with the Access to Information Act, warning that continued non-compliance could attract enforcement measures, including summons and penalties.

Civil society groups have echoed the Ombudsman’s call, noting that withholding information hampers efforts to fight corruption and limits public participation in governance.

However a section of Permanent Secretaries from various ministries raised concerns over the Office of the Ombudsman, accusing it of failing to adequately follow up on public information requests and ensure that government responses do not compromise national security and sensitive operations.

The officials said while the Ombudsman plays a critical role in promoting transparency and access to information, it has often left ministries exposed by not providing proper guidance or monitoring how requests are handled.

“Some of the information sought by the public touches on highly classified matters that, if released without caution, could endanger national security or hinder government operations,” Permanent Secretary labour relations stated . “We expect the Ombudsman to take responsibility in ensuring requests are vetted thoroughly, but too often the oversight is left to us alone.”

The Permanent Secretaries argued that the current gaps in oversight could create a conflict between fulfilling the constitutional right of citizens to access information and safeguarding state security. They urged the Ombudsman to establish a clear framework to strike a balance between transparency and confidentiality.

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