Civil Society Networks Urge Public to Leverage Digital Tools for Accountability in Government Projects
“It is our collective responsibility to hold those in charge of implementing government projects accountable,” Kipruto said
Benedine Kipruto, Chairperson of the Uasin Gishu CSO Network. Photo by George Misati.
By George Misati
Civil Society Organization (CSO) networks from Uasin Gishu and Baringo Counties are calling on the public to take a more active role in tracking and reporting the accountability of government projects .In a bold push to enhance transparency, these networks have emphasized the importance of digital platforms in combating corruption and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently.
During a training session aimed at empowering citizens to use digital platforms for reporting corruption, Benedine Kipruto, the Chairperson of the Uasin Gishu CSO Network, highlighted the crucial role that citizens play in holding government officials accountable.
“It is our collective responsibility to hold those in charge of implementing government projects accountable,” Kipruto said. “We must ensure that the funds allocated for these projects are used for their intended purposes and that any cases of misuse or corruption are reported immediately.”
Kipruto pointed out that in the digital age, there are numerous online platforms that citizens can utilize to report corruption and track government spending. She urged the public to make use of these platforms, including those provided by organizations such as Transparency International, TISA (The Institute for Social Accountability), and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
“In this era of digital migration, we must embrace the use of online platforms to promote transparency. Platforms such as Uwajibikaji Pamoja and Action for Transparency provide an easy and accessible way for citizens to report irregularities and demand accountability,” she added.
The Chairperson further urged representatives of civil society organizations to educate and sensitize residents of their respective counties on the importance of these digital tools. She emphasized that the fight against corruption is not just the responsibility of government institutions, but of every citizen.
“CSOs play a crucial role in civic education, and it is important that we reach out to the grassroots level to ensure that everyone is aware of these platforms and knows how to use them. The success of this initiative depends on the active participation of the public,” Kipruto noted.
The training also covered practical aspects of using digital tools to monitor government projects, report discrepancies, and access information on public spending. Participants were encouraged to engage in regular audits of government projects and budgets, ensuring that resources are directed towards impactful development.
As Kenya continues to embrace technology in various sectors, the use of digital platforms in governance and accountability is seen as a critical step in addressing corruption. Civil society networks hope that by empowering citizens with digital tools, they can create a culture of accountability that will lead to better governance and improved service delivery.
“Our goal is to create a society where transparency is the norm and corruption is rooted out at every level,” Kipruto concluded. “By working together and using the tools at our disposal, we can ensure that public resources are managed responsibly and benefit the people they are intended for.”
The initiative comes at a time when the public’s demand for transparency in the implementation of government projects is growing. With more citizens empowered to report corruption, civil society networks are optimistic that these efforts will lead to more accountable governance at the county and national levels.
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