Our latest assessment on Right To Information in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda reveals a critical gap between strong legal frameworks and real-world implementation.
The Right to Information (RTI) is widely recognised as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. Across East Africa, countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda have made significant progress in establishing legal frameworks that guarantee citizens access to information. However, a new comparative assessment by Transparency International under the SICEA project reveals a persistent and critical challenge: the gap between law and practice.
On paper, all three countries demonstrate strong commitments to access to information. Kenya stands out with robust constitutional protections and an independent oversight body, the Commission on Administrative Justice. Rwanda boasts one of the most progressive access to information laws in the region, complemented by strong digital governance systems. Uganda, an early adopter of RTI legislation, has also established legal provisions to facilitate access.
Yet, despite these frameworks, the study finds that implementation remains inconsistent and, in many cases, ineffective.
One of the most pressing issues is the continued reliance on request-driven systems rather than proactive disclosure. Public institutions often wait for citizens to request information instead of routinely publishing data that is clearly in the public interest—such as procurement records, audit reports, and budget information. This limits the ability of RTI to act as a preventive tool against corruption.
Additionally, broad exemptions related to national security, confidentiality, and public order are frequently used to deny access to critical information, particularly in corruption-sensitive areas. This is compounded by a deeply rooted culture of secrecy within many institutions.
The report also highlights shrinking civic space as a major barrier. Journalists, civil society actors, and whistle-blowers often face legal and informal restrictions, discouraging them from pursuing information that could expose wrongdoing. At the same time, digital advancements—while promising—have not been equitably accessible, leaving marginalized communities behind.
Importantly, the findings show no direct correlation between strong RTI laws and improved anti-corruption outcomes. Access to high-risk information—such as beneficial ownership data and enforcement actions—remains limited across all three countries.
The path forward is clear. Governments must move beyond legal reforms and invest in implementation. This includes strengthening oversight institutions, improving records management, expanding proactive disclosure, and protecting civic space. Integrating whistle-blower protections with access to information systems will also be critical in enabling citizens to safely expose corruption.
Ultimately, the right to information must evolve from a legal promise into a lived reality. Only then can it fulfil its potential as a powerful tool for citizen empowerment and the fight against corruption in East Africa.
👉 Read the full report here and the policy brief here
