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{
    "id": 663286,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/663286/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 267,
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Constitution for the sake of this country as well as for the sake of building it. It is in that context that I find the contents of this Bill very important. It will require a very proactive and progressive Government in place to actually implement this. This is because we are calling for a mind change from the way we do things. One of the ways to ensure that we do not do what is expected is to keep as much information as secret as possible. Sometimes it just happens when, for example, you have control of airwaves by controlling what goes out from them. I remember for example in the 1960s and 1970s it was only Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) that was operational and if it did not cover a story, that story would remain uncovered. The same can happen now even with various channels by withholding information and playing Nyimbo za wazalendo when something else is going on. This Bill is calling for a transformation and I hope this will not only be on paper, but it will also have to move from paper to reality. This will enable us to give information. I am very passionate about this Bill because we have talked about open governance systems and open data which the Bill addresses. Unfortunately, as was said by Sen. Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. this was a Senate Bill. When will we solve this problem? When will have Senate Bills processed and finalized by this House? Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the objectives of the Bill are clear for instance the right of access to information. One of the ways that such access will not be given is by delaying. We should not anticipate a bureaucratic process where somebody applies for information and they are told to wait endlessly or they apply and the information is not given in the manner asked for without recourse to going back to say the format someone needed it in. We also need a very proactive and friendly staff to facilitate and probe that information. Can you imagine a scenario where you have a bully standing and looking at you and telling you: “This is the information, do you need anything more? Obviously, you will need to be strong hearted for you to continue requesting for more. This Bill is not only asking for an information age, but a whole change of mind- set in terms of our culture. This includes promoting routine and systematic information disclosure. The information can be disclosed willingly, happily and in advance. By the way, if more information is given, there will be less information sought. It will actually give the Commission that is created in this Bill later on less work. This is because that data will be out there. Additionally, it provides for protection of persons who release the information. This is key so that they do not end up being culpable. It also provides a framework to provide public education on the right for this information. That is part of the genesis to get people interested so that they can ask for information. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, basically, the Bill gives the right to information whether it is held by the state or a person who has the responsibility. Clause 4(2), states:- “Subject to this Act, every citizen’s right to access information is not affected by – (a) any reason the person gives for seeking access; or The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate"
}