Citizens now have a new tool for monitoring government activities: a mobile application developed by lobby groups for public accountability.
In a bid to enhance transparency, participatory governance, and public accountability, the Centre for Transformational Leadership (CTL) has launched a groundbreaking mobile application called 'GunduaInfo'. This digital tool is designed to enable citizens to actively monitor, report, and participate in county government affairs [1].
The 'GunduaInfo' Citizen Accountability Mobile Application provides real-time access to budget allocations, expenditure data, and project implementation updates at the ward level. Users can report anomalies, access simplified county reports, and raise red flags where public funds appear mismanaged [2].
According to MCA Alex Mbugua, the Budget appropriation chair, the application will be crucial in fund management within Nakuru County. He believes that it will help do away with ghost projects within the county and country [3]. MCA Mbugua's comments indicate that the application covers the entire process of project management, from budgeting to implementation.
The application is expected to increase citizen engagement and empowerment in their local areas. Bancy Kubutha, Executive Director of CTL, emphasizes that the application makes budget and public participation information easily accessible to citizens [4]. Ms Kubutha hopes that the app will increase citizen engagement in their local areas and serve as a reference for following up on projects and auditing them [5].
The 'GunduaInfo' app also includes a public participation calendar and provides information on the status of all county and ward projects [6]. MCA Mbugua states that all the projects will be visible within the application and will go far in helping residents access information in real time [7].
MCA Mbugua further states that the application will start from budget validation and continue through the implementation of the projects. He considers the application a tool to strengthen citizen-led governance and ensure county governments are answerable to the people they serve [8].
Access to accurate, timely, and relevant information is considered a right by CTL, not a luxury. The application covers data from the past three years [9]. As of now, the application is applicable in Nakuru County but aims to expand to all 47 counties in the near future [10].
The 'GunduaInfo' Citizen Accountability Mobile Application gives citizens the power to organize, question, challenge, and shape the use of public resources. It bridges the gap between citizens and county administrations, fostering participatory governance and strengthening public accountability [1].
The 'GunduraInfo' Citizen Accountability Mobile Application includes an 'epaper' feature that offers simplified county reports for easy access and understanding by citizens.
The launch of 'GunduraInfo' is a testament to the Center for Transformational Leadership's commitment to integrating modern 'gadgets' and technology into platforms that promote transparency and active citizen participation in governance.
