Kenyans might soon be able to have in-depth discussions with senior government officials through digital platforms, it has now emerged.
Information Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo revealed that his ministry plans to create a public portal where Kenyans can discuss pertinent issues, air out their grievances, and present recommendations to Cabinet Secretaries and State officials.
While speaking on a radio show on Wednesday, May 21, Kabogo disclosed that the CSs could, in turn, take the opportunity to present their achievements and communicate on the activities of their relevant ministries.
As per the CS, this would ensure that Kenyans stay informed on the latest happenings in government and prevent instances of misinformation that could result in friction between the state and the public.
“In my ministry, we are suggesting having a public portal where government officials can discuss and consult with members of the public,” Kabogo stated.
“We want to get Ministers (Cabinet Secretaries) to line up and do two-hour sessions. One hour of telling the country what you are doing and another hour of you answering questions from members of the public,” he added.
Kabogo’s sentiments come on the back of Kenyans expressing their desire for more transparency and accountability, with the public expressing their frustration and scepticism on communication from State officials.
In the past, there has been a perceived lack of accessibility and transparency, with many Kenyans feeling that senior government officials were not easily accessible and often spoke in bureaucratic or overly formal language that did not resonate with ordinary citizens.
Also, their communication has often been seen as top-down rather than participatory, meaning decisions are announced without sufficient public consultation.
Previously, there have been instances of government officials issuing contradictory statements, leading to public confusion. This has created mistrust, as citizens are unsure whom to believe.
In his address, Kabogo did not provide a breakdown of how the portal will be introduced and operated.
It remains to be seen how Kenyans will react to the new plan, even as some government officials attempt to maintain an open channel of communication. Treasury CS John Mbadi has previously been lauded for his willingness to inform the public on the activities of his ministry.
