Esther Njagi

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The Power of Local Engagement: Reflections from the Global Goals for Local Impact Project

In 2015, we did some work to try and see what citizens care about enough to act and be engaged with the government. We had a simple goal – to stimulate active citizenship and foster responsive government using data to aid communities to provide input into government activities. This project showed us that citizens cared…

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From Global to Local: Local Communities are Key to Achieving the SDGs

In the grand scheme of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the spotlight often falls on national and global leaders making lofty promises. However, the real action, the actual implementation, happens at the grassroots level. It’s in the hands of mayors, governors, chiefs, and the local communities themselves. Unfortunately, the tracking and transparency needed to…

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A Decade of Devolution & The Pursuit of Transformation

This week, we join counties in celebrating a decade of devolution – ten years since Kenya’s 47 counties came into being. The counties were established under the 2010 Constitution, but were actualised after the 2013 general elections. At those elections, Kenyans elected 47 new governors for the first time.  Scenes from the 2023 Devolution Conference…

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Building a data-driven culture to #MakeNairobiWork

Goal 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly recognizes the importance of data in strengthening the means of implementation of the global partnership for sustainable development. It highlights the need to improve the availability of high-quality, timely, and reliable data. The availability of real-time data helps governments make more informed decisions that are based…

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Open Institute Appoints New Board of Directors

The Open Institute team is proud to announce the appointment of five exceptional individuals to its Board of Directors. These notable additions bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and drive to our mission of advocating Responsive Government and Active Citizenship throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. We have been governed by the Trustees and an Advisory Board over…

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The Governors Baraza

The Governors Baraza, a high-level breakfast meeting that brought together Governors, civil society organisations and development partners was co-organized by the Open Institute, The SDGs Kenya Forum and Baraza Media Lab. The Governors Baraza's ultimate goal is to enable CSOs to provide support, build relationships and to advocate for the governors to adopt good practices from the onset.

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We are ten! Here are our 10 lessons in 10 years

This week, we celebrate ten years since our founders started on a journey towards an open society that is managed by informed, fact-driven citizens. Here’s a fun factoid: our original name was going to be lengthy – The African Centre for Open Governance and Open Data (ACOGOD). As we start thinking about things we are…

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