Kenya launches 5th Open Government Partnership Action Plan

Kenya marked a significant milestone today with the launch of its 5th Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan in Nairobi. The new Action Plan underscores the nation's unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and active citizen engagement. President William Ruto highlighted the pivotal role of leveraging technology for job creation and fostering inclusivity across all sectors. The Open Government Partnership Framework, which took root in 2011, saw Kenya join its ranks in 2012, making it one of the early adopters of this innovative approach to governance. This move was propelled by the country's firm belief in the principles of openness and promoting an inclusive government. From the onset of his tenure as Deputy President, Ruto made deliberate efforts to prioritize the OGP as a key deliverable of the administration, viewing it as a critical tool in advancing the agenda of grassroots economic transformation. The core focus of the Action Plan revolves around key areas such as enhancing public participation, combating corruption, promoting access to information, and fostering inclusive governance. In Ruto's view, inclusivity lies at the heart of the bottom-up economic transformation narrative, ensuring that marginalized segments of society are actively involved in the decision-making processes and developmental initiatives. The President emphasized that by embracing openness through the OGP, the government can significantly enhance transparency, bolster accountability, and empower citizens to actively engage in governance. These principles form the bedrock of a responsive and citizen-centric government that prioritizes the collective well-being of its constituents. Ruto emphasized the transformative power of digitization in democratizing access to government services and information. Through the digitization of over 17,000 government services, the administration aims to ensure seamless delivery of services and foster greater transparency in the handling of public resources. The President cited the successful implementation of the Hassler Fund, a groundbreaking initiative that has disbursed 12 billion shillings to 22 million beneficiaries, with 2 million Kenyans availing daily loans through a technology-driven platform. This project stands out as a testament to the transformative potential of technology in curbing corruption and streamlining service delivery. Ruto also shed light on the deployment of means testing instruments powered by technology, which have revolutionized the allocation of university funding by accurately identifying students eligible for financial assistance. In response to the pressing challenge of harnessing the demographic dividend, the government is spearheading efforts to leverage technology in creating digital jobs for the youth. Currently, close to 120,000 young people are leveraging their digital skills to access employment opportunities through various digital platforms, marking a significant stride in addressing unemployment. The President's upcoming agreement with Germany to facilitate job placements for Kenyans further underscores the administration's commitment to tapping into the digital space for economic empowerment. However, amidst the prospects of technological advancement, Ruto acknowledged the looming threat of fake news, disinformation, and misinformation that could derail the nation's progress. To safeguard against these risks, the government is engaging with Parliament to enact regulations that will mitigate the spread of harmful online content and uphold the integrity of digital platforms. Ruto emphasized the need to develop a robust regulatory framework around artificial intelligence and digital technologies to prevent malicious actors from exploiting the digital space for ulterior motives. In a bid to seize the vast opportunities presented by technology and AI, the President appointed a technology envoy to spearhead efforts in harnessing the potential of emerging technologies for national development. As Kenya charts its course towards a tech-driven future, the government remains resolute in its commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all citizens benefit from the transformative power of technology.