Access to information
The Constitution and the Access to Information Act give people rights to access information held by the State and some other bodies — subject to lawful limitations.
Your right in brief
Article 35 — Access to information protects access to information held by the State. It sits within Chapter 4 — The Bill of Rights. The Access to Information Act sets out procedures, timelines and exemptions in more detail — see Acts of Parliament.
This page is a plain-language overview. It is not legal advice.
Before you make a formal request
- Check whether the information is already published (websites, Gazette, open data portals, budget documents)
- Identify the public body that holds the information
- Be as specific as you can about what you need
Our open data and documents pages may help for some civic datasets and policy papers.
Making a request
Requests are usually made in writing to the public entity that holds the information, following that entity’s published access to information procedures where available. Keep a copy of your request and any reference number.
Public bodies should respond within the timelines set in law, or explain lawful reasons for delay, refusal or partial disclosure.
If you are refused or ignored
Review and appeal routes exist under the Act and related institutions. The Commission on Administrative Justice has a role in access to information oversight. Serious disputes may end up in court. Consider independent legal advice for complex cases.
How to complain about government
Limitations
Not all information must be released. The law provides exemptions (for example certain national security, privacy or commercial confidentiality grounds). Bodies should cite the legal basis when refusing.
Information on this website
CitizenGuide.KE republishes and organises public information. A request for records we do not hold should go to the public body, not to us. To correct something we published, use corrections.