Effect of Transparency Initiatives on Public Trust in Government in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/jppa.2896Keywords:
Transparency Initiatives, Public Trust, GovernmentAbstract
Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the effect of transparency initiatives on public trust in government in Kenya.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: Transparency initiatives in Kenya have shown a positive impact on public trust in government. Efforts such as open access to government information, transparent budgeting processes, and public participation in decision-making have increased accountability and reduced corruption. These initiatives have led to greater citizen engagement and trust, as the public perceives the government to be more accountable and responsive to their needs. However, challenges remain in fully implementing these initiatives, and inconsistencies in transparency efforts can still undermine public trust.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social exchange theory, institutional theory & information processing theory may be used to anchor future studies on the effect of transparency initiatives on public trust in government in Kenya. Continuously improve online transparency portals by enhancing user interfaces, ensuring data accuracy, and expanding the scope of information available. Develop sector-specific transparency policies tailored to the unique needs of different governmental sectors (e.g., healthcare, education). This approach ensures that transparency initiatives address sector-specific challenges and enhance sector-specific public trust. Invest in training programs for public officials on transparency practices and the effective use of transparency tools.
Downloads
References
Aoki, K. (2018). Transparency Initiatives and Public Trust in Japan. Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, 5(3), 321-335. DOI: 10.1177/2057891118763421
Australian Government. (2020). Freedom of Information Act in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.ag.gov.au
Blau, P. M. (2018). Social Exchange Theory. Wiley Online Library. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781119125556.opie0250
Bundestag. (2020). Freedom of Information Act and Public Perception in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bundestag.de
Cheruiyot, B. (2018). Open Data Initiatives and Public Trust in Kenya. African Journal of Governance and Development, 5(2), 78-92. DOI: 10.5897/AJGAD2018.0640
Dutch Government. (2020). Open Government Act in the Netherlands. Retrieved from https://www.government.nl
Eppler, M. J., & Mengis, J. (2020). The concept of information overload: A review of literature from organization science, accounting, marketing, MIS, and related disciplines. The Information Society, 36(4), 277-296. DOI: 10.1080/01972243.2020.1748655
French Government. (2019). Transparency in Public Life Act in France. Retrieved from https://www.gouvernement.fr
Garcia, M., & Fernandez, E. (2020). Freedom of Information Laws and Public Trust: A Case Study of Spain. Government Information Quarterly, 37(1), 101413. DOI: 10.1016/j.giq.2019.101413
Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII). (2020). Transparency Initiatives and Public Trust in Ghana. Retrieved from https://www.tighana.org
Gov.uk. (2020). Open Government Data. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/open-government-data
Government of Canada. (2020). Access to Information Act: Promoting Transparency. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca
Government of Ghana. (2019). Right to Information Act in Ghana. Retrieved from https://www.ghana.gov.gh
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa. (2021). Transparency Initiatives and Public Trust in South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.hsrc.ac.za
IFOP (French Institute of Public Opinion). (2020). Public Perception of Transparency Initiatives in France. Retrieved from https://www.ifop.com
Japan Times. (2021). Enhancing Transparency in Government: Recent Developments. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp
Kapoor, R. (2017). Right to Information Act and Public Trust in India. Indian Journal of Governance and Public Policy, 3(1), 22-36. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.2956174
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). (2020). Impact of Open Data on Public Trust in Kenya. Retrieved from https://www.knbs.or.ke
Kenya Open Data Initiative. (n.d.). Open Data Initiative in Kenya. Retrieved from https://www.opendata.go.ke
Komisi Informasi Pusat, Indonesia. (2010). Public Information Disclosure Act (UU KIP) in Indonesia. Retrieved from https://www.komisiinformasi.go.id
Lee, H., & Park, S. (2019). Institutionalized Transparency Practices and Public Trust: Longitudinal Study in South Korea. Public Administration Review, 79(5), 678-693. DOI: 10.1111/puar.13040
Meyer, J. W., & Rowan, B. (2019). Institutionalized organizations: Formal structure as myth and ceremony. American Journal of Sociology, 83(2), 340-363. DOI: 10.1086/226550
Mutuku, P. (2019). Impact of Open Data on Public Trust in Kenya. Nairobi Journal of Public Administration, 12(1), 112-125. DOI: 10.4102/njpa.v12i1.112
National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). (2021). Transparency Reforms and Public Perception in Rwanda. Retrieved from https://www.statistics.gov.rw
OECD. (2019). Open Government in Germany: Improving Transparency and Accountability. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org
OECD. (2019). Open Government in Germany: Improving Transparency and Accountability. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org
OECD. (2021). Transparency and Public Trust in the Netherlands. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org
Patel, R., & Singh, A. (2018). Transparency Initiatives and Public Trust in India: A Case Study Approach. International Journal of Public Administration, 41(6), 509-524. DOI: 10.1080/01900692.2017.1357185
Rwanda Governance Board. (2021). Access to Information Law and Governance in Rwanda. Retrieved from https://www.rgb.rw
Silva (2020). The Impact of Transparency Portals on Public Trust: Evidence from Brazil. Journal of Comparative Politics, 17(4), 521-537. DOI: 10.1080/00104122.2020.1789643
Silva (2016). Transparency and Accountability in Brazil: Public Opinion Trends. Journal of Politics and Governance, 4(2), 45-58. DOI: 10.15641/jpg.4.2.45
Smith, A. (2017). Transparency and Trust in Government. Governance, 30(4), 589-602. DOI: 10.1111/gove.12267
Smith (2019). The Impact of Open Data Policies on Public Trust: Evidence from the United States. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 29(3), 401-419. DOI: 10.1093/jopart/muy056
South African Government. (2000). Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) in South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.gov.za
Statistics Canada. (2021). Public Confidence and Transparency Initiatives in Canada. Retrieved from https://www.statcan.gc.ca
Swedish Government Offices. (2019). Principle of Public Access to Official Records in Sweden. Retrieved from https://www.regeringen.se
Tanaka, K., & Yamamoto, M. (2022). Social Media Disclosure Policies and Public Trust: Case Study of Japan. Government Information Quarterly, 39(1), 101542. DOI: 10.1016/j.giq.2021.101542
Tanzania Government. (2016). Access to Information Act in Tanzania. Retrieved from https://www.tanzania.go.tz
Transparency International Indonesia (TII). (2020). Transparency Reforms and Public Perception in Indonesia. Retrieved from https://www.transparency.id
Transparency International. (2020). Transparency and Public Trust in Sweden. Retrieved from https://www.transparency.org
Transparency International. (2020). Transparency and Trust in Government in Norway. Retrieved from https://www.transparency.no
Wang, Q., & Lee, S. (2021). Online Transparency Portals and Public Trust: Comparative Study of Taiwan and South Korea. Information Polity, 26(2), 197-216. DOI: 10.3233/IP-210100
World Bank. (2019). Open Government Data: Assessing Demand in Brazil. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org
World Bank. (2021). Transparency Reforms and Public Perception in Tanzania. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Dennis Wanjala
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
