Ombudsman pledge to improve access to justice in Trans Nzoia

The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has committed to strengthening governance and climate resilience efforts in Trans Nzoia County.

The agency has pledged to support the development of legal frameworks, enhance grievance redress systems, and build institutional capacity.

The CAJ, commonly referred to as the Office of the Ombudsman, stated this initiative will improve access to justice and promote accountability at the county level.

This commitment was shared during a high-level courtesy call by the CAJ leadership to Governor George Natembeya at his office on Monday.

Leading the delegation, Charles Dulo, the CAJ chairman, emphasised the importance of collaboration in establishing robust systems of accountability and public participation, especially regarding climate change interventions.

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“We are here to provide institutional support to the Climate Change Unit so they can effectively coordinate climate change programmes and limit disputes that may arise during implementation."

"It is essential that grievances are addressed efficiently and that communities are equipped with the right to information, as guaranteed by Article 35 of the Constitution of Kenya," stated Dulo.

Dulo reiterated that the CAJ’s role will extend beyond mere oversight.

The commission plans to offer technical assistance in implementing the Access to Information Act, enhancing transparency within local projects, and ensuring that the voices of marginalised communities are heard.

Governor Natembeya welcomed CAJ’s intervention, noting that the assistance from the commission comes at a critical time when counties across Kenya are navigating the complexities of climate change.

“Grievance redress must not be limited to donor-driven programmes like the Financing Locally Led Climate Actions (FLLoCA)," he said.

"We need to broaden our perspective and create a countywide redress mechanism that empowers citizens and strengthens governance at every level,” stated Natembeya.

The governor's call reflects an increasing awareness of the need for systemic structures to address complaints across sectors, not only in climate action but in all areas of service delivery.

He emphasised that a well-structured grievance redress system is essential for ensuring equity and building trust between citizens and county authorities.

Following the meeting, the CAJ team engaged directly with the Trans Nzoia Climate Change Unit (CCU) to review ongoing projects under the FLLoCA programme, which is being implemented across all 25 wards in the county.

The FLLoCA initiative, funded by the World Bank and coordinated nationally, is a multi-billion-shilling project operating in 45 countries, aimed at strengthening grassroots climate resilience.

During the session with the CCU, discussions focused on improving information flow to communities, fostering inclusivity in decision-making, and creating clear channels for feedback and dispute resolution.

The CAJ urged the unit to act as a liaison between communities and the county administration, ensuring that development does not become a source of discontent.

“Access to information is not a privilege; it is a right. When citizens are aware of what is being done, where funds are allocated, and how they can be involved, we reduce conflict and build a more cooperative society," Dulo told CCU officers.

Residents of Trans Nzoia have expressed frustration in recent years over their limited involvement in key development decisions, often feeling consulted only after decisions are made. This disconnect is what the Governor and CAJ aim to address directly.

“We’ve seen promising outcomes from FLLoCA, and this collaboration gives us hope that our voices will finally be heard at the policy level,” said Esther Webale, a ward climate champion from Kwanza.

As the county prepares for the next phase of FLLoCA and other climate-related interventions, Webale is optimistic that the partnership with the CAJ will usher in a new era of citizen engagement.

Once completed, the legal frameworks will institutionalise redress pathways and improve the processes for recording, investigating, and resolving grievances.

Both Natembeya and Dulo are committed to sustained collaboration, with plans to extend capacity-building workshops to ward administrators, project officers, and local leaders. These trainings will focus on legal literacy, mediation skills, and public communication.

“This is not just about solving problems; it's about preventing them. With the CAJ on board, we are charting a path where justice, transparency, and climate action go hand in hand,” stated Natembeya.

The CAJ's visit marks a milestone in reinforcing the county’s commitment to participatory governance and equitable climate action, positioning Trans Nzoia as a model for other counties across Kenya.