Ombudsman Orders Bungoma County to Release Road Project Records Within 21 Days

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the Bungoma County Government to release records relating to road projects in Maraka and Sitikho wards within 21 days.

In a statement, the Commission directed the County Secretary to provide project status reports, implementation reports, and details of contractors awarded the road projects.

The Ombudsman warned that failure to comply with the directive could result in a recommendation for criminal prosecution under the Access to Information Act, 2016.

“The Commission has ordered the County Secretary, County Government of Bungoma, to release information relating to the status, implementation reports, and contractors for road projects in Maraka and Sitikho Wards within twenty-one (21) days. The Commission further warned that failure to comply with the disclosure orders will result in a recommendation for criminal prosecution against the County Secretary under Section 28 of the Access to Information Act, 2016,” read part of the statement.

Ombudsman Demands Release of Maraka and Sitikho Road Project Reports

According to the Ombudsman, the order followed a complaint filed by the Voice of Bungoma CSO Network after the county government allegedly failed to respond to requests for information submitted in June 2025.

The application followed the county government’s failure to respond to requests for information submitted on June 2, 2025, and June 15, 2025.

It had also sought details relating to first-quarter implementation reports for road projects during the 2024/2025 financial year in Maraka and Sitikho wards, including their implementation status and the contractors involved.

The Commission noted that it had notified the County Government of Bungoma and requested an institutional report or further information through a letter dated September 18, 2025.

According to the commission, the county government was required to respond within seven days to facilitate the determination of the matter.

However, the Ombudsman noted that the County Government of Bungoma also failed to respond after being asked to provide the information during the review process.

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Orders Given to Bungoma County on Road Records

After reviewing the matter, the Commission found that the requested records are public information held by the county government and should be made available to citizens.

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The ombudsman further noted that the information relates to taxpayer-funded road projects and promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Therefore, the commission ordered the County Secretary to release:

Project status and implementation reports for roads in Maraka Ward;
Project status and implementation reports for roads in Sitikho Ward; and
Details of contractors awarded the projects.

Ombudsman added that the information should be released within 21 days, warning that failure to comply could lead to criminal proceedings against the County Secretary.

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