Elgeyo Marakwet has become the first county in Kenya to launch an open data platform that will make all county information publicly accessible.
Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, Governor Alex Tolgos said the platform will transform service delivery by allowing residents to access information from all county departments through the county website.
“This initiative will empower citizens to engage meaningfully in governance, especially during public participation forums, by proposing projects based on accurate data,” said the governor.
County Director of Planning John Maritim noted that residents will now be able to use the data to prioritise development projects under the Equity Development Act, where wards determine how 60 per cent of the development budget is allocated.
He added that the platform will also provide youth with information on business and employment opportunities, helping to address unemployment.
“A dedicated team will regularly update and verify data before publishing it on the public dashboard to ensure accuracy and reliability,” Maritim said.
Governor Tolgos said the system will enable both leaders and residents to track project status, budget allocations, and contractors responsible for each project. He added that it will improve healthcare service delivery by allowing citizens to check the availability of drugs in public health facilities.
World Bank senior specialist Philip Jaspersen, whose institution supported the initiative, said the platform will provide information on the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and the national Big Four Agenda.
“I urge the county government to ensure that the data shared is useful and enables wananchi to make informed decisions,” he said.
ICT Director I said the platform will make county data accessible both locally and internationally, helping attract investors.
North Rift Economic Bloc Director Joseph Makilap urged the Open Institute, which implemented the platform, to roll it out to other counties in the region, noting that transparent data would enhance accountability and attract development funding.
