MIDRIFT HURINET

04/06/2026

Speaking during the Access to Information (ATI) reflection forum, Nakuru County Chief Officer for Public Participation and Citizen Engagement, Edward Gitau, commended the efforts of Katiba Institute- KI Official and MIDRIFT HURINET for their commitment to strengthening capacity in Access to Information.

Noting that "through capacity strengthening on ATI, my understanding of public participation has been expanded," he highlighted the intrinsic link between access to information and effective citizen engagement.

His remarks reflected a growing recognition that meaningful public participation is possible only when citizens and public officers alike have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to access, share, and use information responsibly.

This statement reminds us that ATI is a governance enabler that fosters transparency, accountability, and trust between institutions and the people they serve.

As counties continue to deepen democratic practices, investing in awareness, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships remains essential in building a governance culture where informed participation drives better decisions, stronger institutions, and more inclusive development outcomes.

Nakuru Journalists Association | Nakuru County Government - Official

04/06/2026

Building on the Access to Information (ATI) Forum, participants developed a roadmap to turn transparency from policy into practice.

Key resolutions included strengthening regular consultations among ATI stakeholders, advancing the gazettement of the Nakuru Access to Information Bill to institutionalize proactive disclosure, and deepening collaboration with the media as a critical bridge between public institutions and citizens.

Participants proposed establishing an Access to Information Week to amplify public awareness, nurturing community-based ATI champions to drive grassroots engagement, and sustaining capacity-building initiatives to enhance citizen and institutional understanding of ATI obligations and opportunities.

The commitment to cascade ATI knowledge to wider stakeholder groups and community members, ensuring that access to information becomes a shared responsibility rather than a specialized agenda, was also emphasized.

The discussions underscore that when information is accessible, participation becomes meaningful; when citizens are informed, accountability is strengthened; and when institutions embrace openness, public trust flourishes.

Katiba Institute- KI Official | Nakuru County Government - Official | Nakuru Journalists Association | Media Council of Kenya

04/06/2026

Information is the currency of trust, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation.

During the Access to Information (ATI) Reflection Forum facilitated by the Katiba Institute- KI Official in Nakuru, participants engaged in a candid assessment of progress made in strengthening transparency, proactive disclosure, and citizens' ability to seek and obtain information from public institutions.

The discussions revealed promising gains and persistent challenges: a growing understanding of ATI among citizens and public officers, increased willingness by some duty bearers to share information, and recognition of public participation as a critical entry point for transparency.

Concerns emerged regarding misinformation and disinformation, skepticism toward information requests, staffing gaps caused by transfers, delays in responding to requests, limited budgetary support for ATI initiatives, and fear of disclosure among some public officers.

The forum highlighted the need for stronger collaboration with media practitioners, bloggers, police officers, and other stakeholders, while leveraging digital platforms as alternative channels for information access.

A key takeaway was that advancing ATI requires an active citizenry and responsive institutions, grounded in concrete actions rather than rhetoric.

As communities demand more transparency and accountability, the conversation shows that sustainable governance is stronger when information flows freely, institutions are open, and citizens can meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Nakuru County Government - Official | Ombudsman Kenya | Media Council of Kenya | Nakuru Journalists Association

04/06/2026

29/05/2026

The key action points from the Inter Sub-County Multisectoral Forum on Peace and Security, supported by the Resilience, Peace and Stability (RPS) Programme, reflect a shared recognition that lasting peace is built through practical action, responsive leadership, and the meaningful inclusion of those most affected by insecurity.

A recurring concern throughout the discussions was a renewed commitment by security agencies to intensify efforts against drug and substance abuse, an issue widely acknowledged as a social and security concern affecting many young people.

Participants also called for sustained advocacy to ensure government-owned rehabilitation centres provide accessible pathways to recovery, healing, and reintegration.

The forum further highlighted the value of involving reformed youth in formal and informal peace and security structures within the community, recognizing lived experience as a powerful asset for prevention, mentorship, and community resilience-building.

The call for accountability for the exploitation of young people by political actors to advance divisive or harmful agendas was emphasized, affirming that youth leadership must be shaped by agency, dignity, and constructive participation.

Discussions also focused on opportunity as a pillar of stability, encouraging young people to register groups to access government loans and grants, enrol in TVET institutions to benefit from free technical training, and seek recommendation letters from local chiefs to unlock pathways into education, enterprise, and public support programs.

Ministry of Interior and National Administration | Act Change Transform | Embassy of Denmark in Kenya and Somalia | National Police Service

29/05/2026

Remarks by Joseph Omondi, Executive Director, MIDRIFT HURINET, during the Inter-Sub-County Multisectoral Forum on Peace and Security.

Ministry of Interior and National Administration | Embassy of Denmark in Kenya and Somalia | Act Change Transform | National Police Service | National Cohesion and Integration Commission

29/05/2026

Under the Resilience, Peace and Stability (RPS) Programme, MIDRIFT HURINET is facilitating an Inter-Sub-County Multisectoral Forum on Peace and Security, bringing together participants from Nakuru Town East, Nakuru Town West, Gilgil, Bahati, and Rongai sub-counties, a timely reminder that peace is strongest when communities choose dialogue over division and collaboration over silence.

Also present are Deputy County Commissioners from Nakuru Town West and Nakuru Town East, reinforcing the shared institutional commitment to building safer, more cohesive communities.

The initiative is through the generous support of Embassy of Denmark in Kenya and Somalia through Act Change Transform.

The forum is a platform for collective reflection and action, promoting inter-sub-county peace and security, strengthening early warning and early response mechanisms, and creating space for young people to engage with opportunities available through national and county governments to address socio-economic vulnerabilities.

In bringing together government actors, community leaders, and youth voices, the forum affirms that sustainable peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of opportunity, inclusion, and responsive systems that listen early and act together.

It reflects a purpose-driven approach to resilience, grounded in dialogue and trust. It recognizes that lasting stability is a shared responsibility and a shared vision for peaceful coexistence and inclusive development.

Ministry of Interior and National Administration | National Police Service | National Cohesion and Integration Commission

28/05/2026

Service does not end with retirement, it evolves into legacy, mentorship, and continued nation-building.

That spirit was evident at the launch of the Military Veterans–Nakuru Chapter, where former military officers who served the country with diligence and distinction were recognized for their past contributions and the enduring value they continue to hold in society.

MIDRIFT HURINET's participation underscored the importance of building inclusive partnerships to support veterans' welfare, reintegration, and community.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director Joseph Omondi commended the veterans for their years of disciplined service, noting that their leadership, lived experience, and institutional knowledge remain valuable national assets.

He highlighted potential areas of collaboration, including consultancy on various programs and targeted interventions in mental health and psychosocial support, areas that increasingly demand thoughtful, community-centered engagement.

26/05/2026

MIDRIFT HURINET is inviting all qualified persons to apply for the role of External Evaluator for the Building Active Youth Leadership through Non-Formal Learning (B.A.L.L) Project.

Deadline for applications: July 1st, 2026

Full job details:

https://midrifthurinet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Terms-of-Reference-ToR-for-External-Evaluation-BALL-.pdf

22/05/2026

70% of Africa’s population is under 30.

Yet young people remain underrepresented in policymaking, leadership, and community decision-making spaces.

Through the B.A.L.L Project, supported by the European Commission , we are working with partners across Africa and Europe to build youth-led pathways for leadership, strengthen capacity, and create stronger networks for collaboration and advocacy among the young people.

Read more about the initiative here: https://midrifthurinet.org/press-release/

European Union in Kenya
Amani Kibera
GAME
UN Youth Affairs