Introduction
In 2016, the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet took a bold and unprecedented step by voluntarily opening its governance systems to global scrutiny. This was accomplished through joining the Open Government Partnership (OGP) program, a global initiative aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. Elgeyo Marakwet became the first County in Kenya and one of only three local governments in Africa to embrace this pioneering spirit. This move signalled a clear commitment to reform and innovation in public service delivery, aligning the County with global best practices.
The Open Government Partnership was founded in 2011 as a coalition of reformers inside and outside government. It brings together government leaders and civil society advocates who share a common vision of transforming how governments serve their citizens by making them more open, participatory, and accountable. The initiative represented a significant shift from traditional governance models toward inclusive governance that values citizen engagement.
Before the era of devolution, government operations in Kenya were often shrouded in secrecy and mistrust. So widespread was the perception of government opacity that the Kiswahili term for government, Serikali, was humorously altered to Sirikali, meaning “top secret.” This reflected a deep-rooted disconnect between the government and its citizens. Recognizing this challenge, the County set out to reverse this culture by promoting openness and accountability at the local level.
Among the County’s notable achievements that propelled it into the OGP program was the enactment of its Public Participation Act in 2014. This legislation created formal avenues for citizens to contribute meaningfully to County governance through structured forums, enhancing transparency and accountability. Additionally, the County enacted the Equitable Development Act, 2015, a model framework that ensured fair distribution of resources across its 20 wards and empowered citizens to decide on the allocation of funds each fiscal year. These measures provided a strong foundation for participatory governance and laid the groundwork for deeper reforms.
The County’s commitment to good governance was further validated in 2015 when the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) rated Elgeyo Marakwet as one of the least corrupt Counties in Kenya. This recognition came as a result of a comprehensive survey mapping corruption-prone areas and unethical practices across Counties. The County’s exemplary performance earned it the privilege of hosting the North Rift region’s International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations in 2016, further cementing its reputation as a leader in transparency and integrity.
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