Boost for Kenya’s public, media as MPs back bill

NAIROBI: The quest for a free media and transparency in the country moved a step closer Thursday when MPs concluded debate on the Access to Information Bill.

The lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the bill saying it would allow the public to know Government secrets and, therefore, not only stop corruption but also identify corrupt civil servants.

MP Priscilla Nyokabi (Nyeri) said she would not allow the Information and Communication Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, to push her to drop the bill, which she had privately sponsored.

The Government wants to introduce its own version to the National Assembly.

She said Dr Matiang'i was time-barred, and has no option but to back her bill to ensure transparency, boost public participation and accountability in Government.

"We cannot have transparency without the Access to Information Bill," she said, and called for the repeal of the Official Secrets Act.

The bill prescribes ways the media and the public can access information that is held by the State. It is one of the bills that have to be approved in accordance with the Constitution.