Top Tweets for #IdeserveToKnow

🚨Court of Appeal Forces Open the SGR Black Box: A Major Win for Debt Transparency in Kenya The Court of Appeal in Mombasa has dealt a definitive blow to state secrecy. The appellate bench dismissed the Attorney General’s appeal, upholding a landmark High Court verdict that legally commands the government to immediately disclose hidden contracts related to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). The petition, relentlessly pursued by human rights defenders Khelef Khalifa and Wanjiru Gikonyo alongside Katiba Institute and the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), demanded full public access to SGR agreements, loan contracts, feasibility studies, and operational frameworks.

DID YOU KNOW? 🇰🇪 Under the Access to Information Act, any public office you write to for information MUST respond within 21 working days. Whether you’re asking about a local road project’s cost or a national debt contract, they cannot simply ignore you. If they do, they are in breach of the law! Pro-Tip: If the 21 days are up and your inbox is empty, it’s time to call the Ombudsman (CAJ). Accountability isn't just a request; it's your Constitutional right. #AccessToInfo #AccountabilityNow

Kenya’s Debt Files! In 2022, TISA went to court demanding access to Kenya’s debt contracts and on 13th Dec 2024, the High Court (HCCHRPET/E179/2022) ruled in favour of transparency. To date, the National Treasury has still NOT complied. We continue to demand the release of all sovereign bond agreements/contracts signed by the Government of Kenya, including their terms and conditions, and full disclosure on how sovereign bond funds have been spent over the past nine years. Today’s case by Sen. Okiya Omtatah Okoiti is a separate case but it adds to the growing pressure for accountability on Kenya’s debt. Article 35(1) of the Constitution guarantees access to information. Transparency in public finance is a right, not a privilege — and we’re hopeful this growing pressure finally delivers the accountability Kenyans deserve. 🇰🇪⚖️ #DeniBandia #OdiousDebt #PublicDebt

Why should public entities share information? All public entities are required to release information to the public without the need for formal applications. The obligation requires public entities to disclose and update information proactively. Article 35 (3) Constitution, 2010 provides: ‘The State shall publish and publicise any important information affecting the nation.’ This provision obligates the State to disclose any information affecting the nation proactively. The Access to Information Act, 2016, further elaborates on the provision. Proactive disclosure helps satisfy the public's demand for routine information. It also increases transparency and, hence, public confidence in public entities. #IDeserveToKnow

Katiba Institute(KI) has written to the Salaries and Remuneration Commission(SRC) and the Parliamentary Service Commission seeking information concerning the terms of employment for Senators and Members of the National Assembly. This request is under Article 35 of the Constitution and the Access to Information Act Cap: 7 M, Laws of Kenya. In a letter dated 30 March 2025, KI sought the following information from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission : 1. Information on whether the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has conducted comparative surveys on the labour markets and trends in remuneration to determine the salary scales for state officers in Parliament, in line with Section 11 of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission Act. 2. Information regarding any recommendations made by the SRC to the Parliamentary Service Commission on matters relating to the salaries and remuneration of state officers in Parliament since 2011. 3. Information on whether Senators and Members of the National Assembly are engaged full-time or part-time. 4. Copies of documents from the SRC to the Parliamentary Service Commission regarding the terms of remuneration and benefits for state officers in Parliament since 2011. 5. Documentation and/or guidelines by the Commission on the remuneration and benefits accruing to state officers serving part-time. 6. Documentation which provides information on when a senator or a member of the National Assembly is entitled to sitting allowance and the scale. In a letter dated 30 March 2025, KI sought the following information from the Parliamentary Service Commission: 1. A copy of the employment contract for Senators and Members of the National Assembly. We are interested in the terms and conditions of service, the salary structures, and the allowances and benefits for Senators and Members of the National Assembly. 2. Provide a copy of the regulations and/or guidelines prescribed by the Parliamentary Service Commission (the Commission) for the terms and conditions of service, pension and other retirement benefits of employees, particularly Senators and Members of the National Assembly. 3. A confirmation on whether Senators and Members of the National Assembly are engaged on a full-time or a part-time basis. 4. Information regarding the number of times the Commission has determined and reviewed the terms and conditions of service of Senators and Members of the National Assembly since 2011. 5. Copies of documents indicating the changes effected to the terms and conditions of Senators and Members of the National Assembly after each review in (5) above. See the letters via https://t.co/rTzDmW0KFy #IDeserveToKnow