By Kelvin Sang, Eldoret
Transparency International-Kenya today held a strategic workshop at Silver Springs Hotel-Mathu, Nairobi on April 15, bringing together four clusters under the TUNU Project to evaluate the effectiveness of digital tools in enhancing accountability and fighting corruption across Kenya.
The session focused on assessing the impact of digital platforms such as the Action for Transparency (A4T) App, the Uwajibikaji Pamoja platform, and the SMS reporting service 22130. These tools have been instrumental in enabling citizens to report cases of corruption, social injustices, and human rights violations safely and conveniently.
The A4T App, short for Action for Transparency, emerged as a key highlight. It allows users from across Kenya to report corruption cases anonymously, protecting them from victimization. The app also accepts reports on broader social injustices affecting access to justice and public service delivery.
Participants who attended the workshop – Photo/Kelvin Sang/County Splash
“This tool has helped expose various corruption and human rights violation cases, which we’ve acted upon promptly. We engage relevant authorities to ensure enforcement and resolution,” said Thomas Juma, Transparency International’s North Rift Regional Coordinator. “Without these tools, many of these cases would go unreported. There is an urgent need to scale up awareness and adoption.”
Complementing the A4T App, the Uwajibikaji Pamoja platform (www.uwajibikajipamoja.org) offers an online interface where citizens can report and track issues related to governance, service delivery, and corruption. The platform connects complainants with responsible government bodies to ensure timely redress and transparency in handling grievances.
Additionally, citizens can report corruption and abuse through the dedicated SMS service 22130, making it easier for those without smartphones or internet access to participate in accountability efforts. The SMS service has proven especially impactful in reaching remote areas where internet access is limited.
Ms. Rosy Waruku, a digital security expert at the session, assured participants of the safety and confidentiality of users engaging with these tools. “All data shared through these platforms is encrypted. Reporters — especially those who wish to remain anonymous — should feel confident that their information is protected from third-party access,” she said.
Lilian Gathua, a digital tools analyst, emphasized the importance of these platforms in gathering actionable data from across the country. “These tools have increased the frequency and efficiency of data collection, helping us identify hotspots of corruption and injustice, especially in marginalized counties.”
The session ended with a unified call for enhanced sensitization campaigns to encourage citizens to utilize these digital tools and contribute to the broader fight for transparency, justice, and good governance in Kenya.
