The Commission in collaboration with the Ombudsman Committee Members for Kangemi and with the support of @giz_gmbh#Kenya today conducted a public forum at the Kangemi Social Hall under the Third Phase of the Ombudsman Mashinani (service at the grassroots) @bodo_immink
Ombudsman Mashinani is an initiative of the Commission which was adopted in July 2014 to facilitate outreach in informal settlements through existing structures.
Ombudsman Mashinani inspired by the need to reach populations who cannot afford legal representation and whose only hope of getting redress is the Ombudsman because of free services.
The concept employs existing structures to create awareness on the mandate of the Commission, and for the public to file complaints. Through the initiative, the Commission has since reached about 18,000 people and filed about 300 complaints during the first two phases.
Employment Secured Four Years Later Following Ombudsman Intervention
“I would like to thank you, most sincerely for taking time to listen to my complaint against Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for delaying my appointment letter for the post of Artisan Electrical Engineering.
It was great to meet and work with your team.” These were the words of Rama Mwazondo in an appreciation letter to the Commission.
Mr Mwazondo lodged a complaint with the Commission’s Mombasa Regional Office alleging unfair treatment and discrimination on account of disability by KPA.
The Commission today (Monday, November 29, 2021) held a meeting with the South African Military Ombudsman, Lt. Gen (Ret) Vusumuzi Masondo at the Sarova Panafric Hotel to discuss and benchmark on best practices on the effective management of complaints within the defence sector.
At the meeting, the South African Military Ombudsman delegation explained its mandate, establishment, powers and methods used in the execution of its mandate under the Military Ombud Act, No. 4 of 2012.
The office also highlighted that it has a good working relationship with the @PublicProtector (the equivalent of the Kenyan Ombudsman) that ensures seamless referral of complaints between the two.
Court Judgment Delivered After Five Year- Wait
“I hereby acknowledge your efforts to help me get my court case judgment which had taken long since 2010 up to 14th September 2021, the day I received it at the Kizurini Law Courts...
My entire family appreciates your good work. May God bless you and help you assist as many as possible who are helpless.” These were the words of Mr. Albert Baya in an appreciation letter to the Commission’s Mombasa Regional Office.
According to Baya, there was a delay without any justifiable cause at Kaloleni law courts (Kizurini law court) to deliver judgments in three consolidated land cases.
Commissioner Lucy Ndungú: ATI Act is a partnership law that requires the Commission to partner with other stakeholders for public participation, proactive disclosure #AccessToInfoKe
@JYesho: For every right there is an equal and corresponding duty. Various institutions have been bestowed upon the mandate to ensure that these rights are implemented through set mechanisms. This can be enhanced through collaboration with such institution.
Mr Ndalani: failure to disclose info on time & accurately allows for misinformation & distrust among citizens
Underscores the need for journalists in the region to be more professional than they're; citing recent misleading coverage. He says media should fairly & accurately cover public issues & subjects.
@FlorenceKajuju: The Commission, being the oversight agency, has progressively put measures in place for effective and optimal realization of the right of access to information.
In the last Financial Year, 130,492 requests for info were received and processed by various Ministries, Government Departments and Agencies. This was a significant increase compared to the previous 2018/19 financial year where only 4,607 requests were processed @FlorenceKajuju