In Kenya InfoNET seeks to improve public service delivery through the strategic use of Technology

In Kenya InfoNET seeks to improve public service delivery and participation through the strategic use of Technology

InfoNET participated in tweet sessions where live tweets were beamed on screens and responded to in real time, for transparency that seeks to improve public service delivery through the strategic use of Technology.

#GOKInteracts is an initiative that calls to account, the Government of Kenya pillar of "Uwazi" meaning “Openness”. The initiative therefore seeks to create an accountability framework through dialogue between ordinary citizens and High Level Government Officials.

GOKInteracts session was held at Harambee House Annex inviting bloggers, news agencies, NEPAD and civil society to interact with the Cabinet Secretary and Principle Secretary, Ministry of Energy. #GOKInteracts is an initiative of the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit, The Legislative and Intergovernmental Liaison Office at the Deputy President Office and INFONET Africa. Broadband for GOKInteracts is provided by Orange Telcom. The tweet session was held for about one and a half hours where live tweets were beamed on screens and responded to in real time, for transparency. The session also allowed a few questions from journalists physically present in the room. The session engaged 5,134,200 people online, with 120,825,699 twitter impressions.

Noting with appreciation, the Cabinet Secretary committed to engaging stakeholder in the energy sector as it has tremendous implications on security, education, health and standards of living, amongst other issues critical to reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

Key takeaways from the Chat are as follows:
* The cost of power is set to reduce by 40%, as early as January 2015 Large consumers of energy will get a revised rate so as to reduce the cost of manufactured goods to consumers.
* 240MW through geothermal generation has been commissioned today (at Olkaria) and should be fully operational and plugged into the national grid by December 12, 2014.
* Kenya has committed to join the community of nations and industry players through the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
* The government is connecting 250 schools each week to the power grid, enabling communities living around the school easy access to domestic power connections.
* Power connection tariff of Ksh 35,000 (US450) has been removed and will be integrated into the monthly bills until fully paid by the client.
* Any Civil Society Organization interested in accessing the 22 Contracts awarded to prospecting companies in the Country, especially on Oil are invited to make a request. Organization do not need to wait for the Freedom of Information to do so.

InfoNET also participated in tweet session with the chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, engaged on the Africa We Want via twitter hashtag #DGTrends last Monday October 20th, 2014.