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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One of the main goals of our active citizenship work is making sure that data is widely accessed and used not just by governments but by citizens. We cannot achieve true data democracy when citizens are not involved in an active way in the data life cycle. We need to move away from only seeing…
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For far too long, women in remote areas have struggled to be seen and heard. At the Open Institute, we’re committed to the ideal of leaving no one behind, especially those most marginalised. We have taken the view that achieving the sustainable development goals is best done at the local level – in all villages. …
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Systems change is the goal of our work, promoting Responsive Governments and Active Citizenship. Our pursuit of this goal has continually convinced us that systemic transformation must be built from the ground up. Actual progress lies in adjusting policies and reconfiguring the societal and governance ecosystems that determine whose voices are amplified and silenced. To…
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The Finance Bill, 2024 has sparked significant uproar across Kenya, leading to widespread demonstrations and public outcry. Citizens have taken to the streets to protest against the proposed tax increases, expressing their frustration and discontent with the government’s financial policies during a period of economic hardship. The protests have been marked by large gatherings in…
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There’s a perception that young people are less interested in politics and development than older generations. This might be true for traditional forms of citizen participation like voting, but it doesn’t mean they’re disengaged. An active citizenry is vital for a healthy democracy. When young people feel their voices are unheard and the issues they…
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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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We are currently experiencing a shift towards patient-centric care, where healthcare providers are expected to meet growing patient expectations while ensuring high-quality services. A 2021 report by KPMG revealed that 79% of healthcare facilities in charge believed the sector should adopt a more patient-centric approach to better address patient needs and preferences. Despite this, only…
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We launched the #FichaUchi campaign to raise awareness about the inadvertent exposure of personal information among Kenyan citizens. Through a series of talk shows broadcasted on community radios across nine counties in Kenya, we sought to shed light on data protection and educate citizens with knowledge about their rights. The discussions touched on various facets…
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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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