Bunge La Wenyenchi Forum Calls for Transparency and Accountability from Uasin Gishu County Government
Bunge La Wenyenchi Forum, a civic organization based in Uasin Gishu County, has formally called upon the county government to provide detailed information on various financial and administrative matters. In a letter addressed to Governor Dr. Jonathan Chelilim Bii, County Executive Committee Member for Finance Micah Kipkosgei Rogony, Chief Officer of Finance Eliud Chemaget, and the County Secretary, the forum raised concerns over land purchases, recent staff recruitment, and the composition of the County Budget and Economic Forum. The letter, signed by Peter Kibet arap Biwott, a representative of the forum, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to enhancing public oversight and fostering transparency in county governance.
The request cites Article 35 of Kenya’s Constitution, which grants citizens the right to access information held by public bodies, as well as the Access to Information Act of 2016. Biwott emphasized that access to such information is critical for promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation, as well as ensuring that citizens can enjoy and protect their rights. The request is motivated by findings in the Auditor General’s report, which raised several questions about the county’s financial and administrative processes, and aligns with the forum’s ongoing efforts to ensure that public resources are managed responsibly.
One of the primary concerns highlighted by Bunge La Wenyenchi Forum is the county’s acquisition of parcels of land. Specifically, the Auditor General’s report query 557.2 shows that Uasin Gishu County spent Kshs. 23.6 million on 13 parcels of land, which are reportedly still occupied by their original owners. The forum has requested the county government to provide comprehensive details on each of these land purchases, including copies of the purchase agreements and the registration status of each parcel to confirm ownership by the county government. Additionally, the forum has asked for documentation related to a land purchase of Kshs. 97 million intended for market development, as cited in Auditor General’s report query 559. They are seeking the government valuation report, the signed purchase agreement, and certified proof of payment, either through bank transfers or vouchers.
The letter also questions the county’s recent staff recruitment process. The forum has asked the county to share a list of newly recruited employees, including their ID numbers, wards, sub-counties, and counties of origin. This request aims to ensure that the hiring process adhered to constitutional requirements for regional balance, the 70:30 rule on local representation, and the one-third gender rule. Bunge La Wenyenchi Forum’s demand for these details reflects its commitment to ensuring that public service opportunities in Uasin Gishu are equitably distributed across the county’s 30 wards and are aligned with national standards for diversity and inclusivity.
Moreover, Bunge La Wenyenchi Forum raised concerns about the County Budget and Economic Forum’s composition. The forum cited an advertisement from August 1, 2024, regarding the recruitment of members for this advisory body, which is expected to include representatives from various community groups and sectors, including professional associations, business organizations, labor unions, faith-based groups, and youth and disability advocates. The forum has requested an update on the recruitment process, including both long and short lists of applicants, as well as letters of nomination from relevant organizations. They have requested that each category – from professional bodies to the elderly and youth – be adequately represented to ensure diverse voices contribute to budget planning and economic strategies for the county.
In addition to these specific requests, Bunge La Wenyenchi Forum expressed the broader intention behind seeking this information: to promote accountability, enhance oversight of public funds, and encourage informed public debate. They have underscored that transparency in governance is essential to build trust with citizens and ensure that government actions reflect the public’s best interests. The forum has requested that the county government provide the information within 21 working days, by midnight on December 10, 2024, with a directive to send all requested documentation to a designated email address.
To reinforce the seriousness of their request, Bunge La Wenyenchi Forum has copied the letter to the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), commonly known as the Office of the Ombudsman. The letter was sent to CAJ headquarters in Nairobi and to its regional office in Eldoret, where it was specifically addressed to Mr. Felix Lilako, the commission’s representative. By involving the Ombudsman, the forum has signaled its intent to escalate the matter if necessary, potentially initiating an investigation should the county government fail to respond.
The request made by Bunge La Wenyenchi Forum represents a significant step towards reinforcing transparency and accountability in Uasin Gishu County. By calling for clarity on financial decisions, recruitment practices, and advisory group composition, the forum aims to ensure that the county administration adheres to ethical and constitutional standards. This demand for openness serves as a reminder of the power of civic engagement in holding government institutions accountable to the people they serve.
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