The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has today inaugurated its 7th regional office in Meru County, continuing its mission of enhancing administrative justice and access to information for all citizens.
Speaking during the occasion, CAJ Chair Florence Kajuju retaliated the commission’s commitment to ensuring administrative justice and access to information for all citizens across the country.
“Since its inception in 2011, the Commission has made significant strides in fulfilling its mandate such as resolving complaints, enhancing efficiency, and fostering a culture of responsiveness in public service delivery both at the National and County Government levels of administration. We remain committed in ensuring that even the most vulnerable in our society receive the justice they deserve,” said the Ombudsman.
According to Kajuju, the commission established under the Kenyan Constitution 2010, is one of the key institutions in Kenya’s Vision 2030, aimed at strengthening good governance, the rule of law, and accountability in the management of public affairs.
“As one of the institutions established under Chapter 15 of the constitution of Kenya, we safeguard public interest by promoting constitutionalism, securing the observance of democratic values and principles, and protecting the sovereignty of the people,” she said.
Empowered by law to provide oversight and enforce the right for citizens to access information held by the State and specific private institutions under the Access to Information Act, 2016, the commission is mandated to ensure that all public entities, including County Governments proactively disclose some categories of information to the public, including procedures followed in decision making and accountability.
The Meru office adds to the commission’s regional offices available in Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Isiolo, Nyahururu and Garissa besides Service delivery points established at various Huduma Centers across the country.
“Today, as we open this new regional office in Meru County, we are reaffirming our dedication to bringing our services closer to the people. We recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that each region presents, and we are committed to ensuring that every Kenyan has access to justice and the support they need in addressing issues of maladministration,” Kajuju said.
“We believe that by being closer to the people, we can better understand their needs and provide more effective solutions,” said Kajuju, highlighting the importance of the new office.
Washington Sati, the Vice Chairperson of the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), explained the process behind their inquiry report on the challenges Kenyan citizens face when obtaining legal identity documents in border counties, with a focus on Wajir County.
“We employed a multifaceted data collection technique, including literature reviews, round table discussions, focus group discussions (FGDs), public forums, courtesy call meetings, and structured interviews,” Sati said.
The FGDs gathered data from various special interest groups, categorized as community leaders, media practitioners, civil society organizations, representatives of religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, and persons with disabilities.
Sati emphasized the ombudsman’s goal to end discrimination and corruption in the issuance of legal documents, which is the right of every citizen.
Commissioner Lucy Ndungu provided an overview of the CAJ public inquiry report, outlining its key findings and recommendations.
Mr. Jacob Ouma, the County Commissioner of Meru, welcomed the opening of the Meru office, stating, “Your office will be instrumental, and we are ready to work together to ensure every citizen gets justice.”
He assured journalists of their freedom and protection from police brutality under his tenure. “I have the security team here, and they have assured me that they will respect the freedom of the press while carrying out their duties,” Ouma added.
Jackson Karanja Meru regional Coordinator also urged the office of the ombudsman to ensure journalists gets justice while dispensing their duties.
Sara Gakii, representing the Meru County Assembly, expressed optimism about bringing justice closer to her ward members.
“We believe that by being closer to the people, we can better understand their needs and provide more effective solutions,” said Kajuju, highlighting the importance of the new office.
The event concluded with the launch of the inquiry report on the challenges in obtaining legal identity documents in border counties and the opening of offices which will be loacted at Royal Business Park 6th Floor, Njuri Ncheke street.
Residents of Meru County and neighbouring Tharaka Nithi, Embu and Nyeri counties are set to benefit significantly from the new office, which will provide easier access to administrative justice and information, ensuring their rights are upheld and their voices heard.
