What is the Access to Information Act (ATI)?
This is a law that was passed by the Parliament of Kenya in September 2016, to make it easier for wananchi to access (get, receive, reach) information.
Information is Power! – According to Article 35 of the Constitution, it is a right for all citizens to be able to receive any information that makes it possible for them to enjoy or protect their rights.
Why did Parliament pass this Law?
- Parliament passed the law because of the following main reasons:
- To facilitate (make it easier) for Kenyans to enjoy the right to access to information that is provided by the Constitution
- To create a way for public (government) and private institutions to provide information when requested
- To make it easier to get information from private bodies especially where the information will assist in the protection or enjoyment of other rights
- To encourage public and private institutions to regularly provide information about their work
- To protect people who in good faith provide information in public interest (whistleblowers)
- To create a way for educating wananchi about the right to information
- To give the Commission on Administrative Justice powers to ensure this law is followed
NB: Find Access To Information (ATI) Act, CAJ’s ATI Implementation, Regulations and Guidelines here
