Elgeyo leaders to attend global fete on governance

Elgeyo-Marakwet County is among 15 “local” governments picked to take part in a global campaign seeking to promote transparency in governance.

The 61-member-state International Open Government Partnership Pilot Program (OGP) aims to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance at the local level.

“Every one of the subnational governments chosen for this project has already distinguished itself by recognising that open and responsive governments are better governments,” said incoming OGP Chief Executive Sanjay Pradhan.

“OGP is tapping into a growing desire from governments who are looking for new ways to interact with citizens, build trust in government and harness the opportunities provided by new technologies to improve the lives of all citizens.”

Rise in allowances

Elgeyo-Marakwet governor Alex Tolgos states in the County Fiscal Strategy Paper 2016 that the county is focused on achieving goals aligned to those of the national government, which stand for equitable development.

The choice of Elgeyo Marakwet to take part in the drive comes after the Controller of Budgets Agnes Adhiambo put counties on the spot for misusing public funds.

A 2015 report, by the budget entity, states that there is continuous rise in allowances earned by Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).

Apart from Elgeyo-Marakwet, local governments chosen for the project include Austin in the US, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Jalisco in Mexico and Tanzania’s Kigoma Municipality.