Kakamega county is set to get an office of the administration of justice for an oversight role in the county administration.
The County Administrative Justice Bill, 2021 was on Monday subjected to public participation at the county social hall.
Once enacted, the bill will enable residents to access information they need from the county government and national government offices.
The chair of Public Service and Administration committee of Kakamega Boniface Lubanga said the ombudsman's office will help in investigating and addressing maladministration and violation of rights by public officers upon citizens' requests.
“The office of ombudsman will ensure public officers become accountable and embrace an open door policy to information dissemination. This will promote the delivery of services for development purposes,” Lubanga said.
The public participation forum brought together civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, professional groups, youths, persons living with disabilities, traders and faith-based organisations.
Lubanga said the exercise was meant to seek public input before implementation as per Article 196(1) (b) of the Constitution.
A member of the committee, Jackline Okanya, said the ombudsman represents the public and acts on their behalf in cases where they cannot get information.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)