President William Ruto has launched the process of preparing Kenya's first-ever State of Openness Report, describing it as a key step towards measuring how transparent, accountable and responsive government institutions are to the people. The annual report, he said, will provide a clear picture of whether public institutions are improving service delivery, managing public resources responsibly and building public confidence, while also identifying areas that require reforms.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, the President said the report would become a national benchmark for evaluating openness across government and help strengthen institutions through regular and honest assessment.
Ruto said the initiative is intended to move beyond simply checking whether institutions comply with laws and policies. Instead, he said, it will assess whether openness is leading to better public services, stronger accountability, improved management of public resources and greater responsiveness to the needs of citizens.
"A confident Government does not fear scrutiny. It welcomes it. It does not demand public trust. It earns it," The head of state stated, adding that the report reflects the administration's determination to build institutions that are transparent and accountable to the public.
He described the exercise as more than a technical assessment, saying it is "a national undertaking that reflects not only the values of our Constitution, but also the kind of Government we are determined to build."
The President said governments become stronger when they openly examine their performance instead of avoiding public scrutiny.
President William Ruto speaking during the Commencement of consultations on Kenya’s 1st State of Openness Report, State House, Nairobi, on July 16, 2026. PHOTO/PCS
"Governments do not become weaker by confronting the truth about themselves. They become stronger. Institutions do not earn public trust by demanding it. They earn it by serving the people honestly, fairly and openly."
Ruto observed that while technology has made it easier for citizens to access information, it has also created room for misinformation, disinformation and manipulated content. He said this makes openness even more important if governments are to win and maintain public confidence.
"Trust cannot simply be claimed. It must be earned. And the surest way to earn that trust is through openness. Citizens are far more likely to trust public institutions when they understand how decisions are made, how public resources are managed, and how Government responds to their needs," he said.
The President said the initiative gives effect to Articles 10 and 35 of the Constitution, which promote transparency, accountability and the right of access to information. He added that it also fulfils the Kenya Kwanza administration's pledge to institutionalise an annual State of Openness Report and meets Kenya's commitments under the Open Government Partnership.
According to Ruto, the report should provide an honest account of government performance by showing where progress has been made, where gaps remain and what changes are needed to improve outcomes.
"The report must tell us where we are succeeding, where we are falling short and what reforms are needed to achieve better outcomes. Honest assessment is not a sign of institutional weakness. It is one of the strongest foundations of effective government."
He further said the assessment itself must be carried out openly, using a transparent methodology, credible evidence, inclusive consultations and independent findings under the leadership of the Commission on Administrative Justice.
Ruto directed all ministries, state departments, agencies, constitutional commissions and county governments to fully cooperate with the Commission on Administrative Justice by providing accurate information needed for the report. He also invited civil society organisations, academic institutions, the private sector, the media and members of the public to take part in the process to ensure the findings are credible and comprehensive.
"It is therefore my honour to formally commission the preparation of Kenya's inaugural State of Openness Report," he said, expressing hope that it would become "a lasting measure of our fidelity to the Constitution, our accountability to the people and our determination to build a Government that earns trust through openness, integrity and service."