Eldoret: The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has launched the Eldoret Regional Office of the Ombudsman, marking a significant milestone for the region. The new office will serve people in the North Rift and neighbouring areas, providing access to constitutional institutions for fairness, accountability, and protection from administrative injustice.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Commission's Chairperson, Charles Dulo, emphasized the office's role in enhancing access to justice by addressing issues related to maladministration, including delays in service delivery, unresponsive official conduct, abuse of power, and failure to implement lawful decisions. Dulo stated that the commission, established under Article 59 of the Constitution, is tasked with promoting administrative justice and ensuring compliance with principles of fair administrative action.
The Eldoret Regional Office was initially opened on September 1, 2015, and has since become a vital access point for public redress against maladministration. Over the years, the office has handled over 3,000 complaints from citizens seeking fairness and accountability, boasting a resolution rate of 94 percent for admissible complaints.
The office has actively enforced the right of access to information, utilizing various mechanisms such as alternative dispute resolution processes and access to information orders to ensure effective oversight. The committed team at the Eldoret office has been praised for their dedication and professionalism, despite facing challenges like limited staffing.
In recent successes, the office has intervened in cases involving delayed pension payments, unpaid statutory benefits, and other significant issues, providing resolutions that citizens had been waiting years for. The Commission's recent investigation into the First-Choice Agency scandal further exemplifies its commitment to accountability and justice.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea welcomed the new office, highlighting its impact on improving access to justice, especially in land and service delivery disputes common in the region. The Eldoret Regional Office will serve multiple counties in the North Rift, reducing barriers to justice for residents.
The office's establishment reflects a continued effort to enhance accountability, encourage alternative dispute resolution, and uphold administrative justice as a constitutional right across the North Rift region. The launch was attended by various officials, including CAJ Vice Chairperson Dorothy Jemator and other regional representatives.