What happens when people are invisible in the numbers? When communities are omitted from datasets that shape national policy? When stories that are rich, complex, urgent are reduced to a footnote or not recorded at all? In Kenya, where 2.2% of the population — over 1 million people — are recorded as having a disability,…
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By Florence Syevuo and Al Kags At a recent breakfast gathering in Nairobi, we asked each person who walked into the room to take a single puzzle piece. No explanation. No picture of the final image. Just that small fragment, handed over with a quiet challenge. As the morning unfolded, something wonderful happened. Strangers began…
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In recent years, the global civic space has been shrinking at an alarming rate. Governments are cutting budgets, laying off staff, and scaling back initiatives that support openness, transparency and accountability. At the same time, restrictions on civil society, the media, and digital freedoms are making it harder for citizens to access information, engage with…
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The East Africa Data Governance took place on 26th and 27th February 2025, calling for collaboration to advance data governance in East Africa.
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The Civic Tech Innovation Forum 2024 opened up fresh perspectives on the interplay between technology, data, and governance across Africa. Themed “Under The Hood”, it caused civil society players to reflect on the relationship between self, community and tech while looking under the hood, underneath the surface of our work, our communities and the technology…
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For years, the Open Institute has worked diligently to guide counties towards more effective, data-centred decision-making. Our focus has been on equipping local governments with essential tools and expertise, ensuring better resource allocation, stronger policies, and improved public services. In the last two and a half years, our partnership with Nandi and Kilifi counties has…
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The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) partnered with the Open Institute to launch the first media centre in Kilifi County! Launched at the Maono Space in Malindi in March 2024, the Maono Media Hub aims to support the production of high-quality content and provide journalists with a conducive working environment. Supporting Journalists Countrywide Established in…
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Growing up as a girl here is tough. Right from birth, the path of our lives is beaten, leading us to places against our own will. In the heart of Shela, a small village in Malindi, a 13-year-old girl faced the grim reality of being married off due to her family’s dire financial situation. In…
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In 2023, the Ficha Uchi Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) covered 9 counties, aiming to delve deeper into citizens' perceptions of personal data. This is what we learned.
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📅 Dates: November 25 & 26, 2024
📍 Location: Nairobi, kenya
Unlock the future of data governance with industry leaders, insightful sessions, and networking opportunities!
