RTI Commission Deepens Sensitization on RTI Laws at MESTI

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 – MESTI Conference Room

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 – The Right to Information (RTI) Commission engaged staff from the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) in a crucial sensitization session aimed at deepening understanding of the country’s Right to Information (RTI) laws. The event, which took place at the MESTI Conference Room, was part of ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and open governance across public sector institutions.

The session focused on raising awareness about the provisions of the RTI Act and the vital role public servants play in upholding citizens’ right to access information. The RTI Commission emphasized the importance of ensuring that public institutions, including MESTI, are equipped to handle information requests in accordance with the law, making government operations more open and accessible to the public.

During the session, officials from the RTI Commission provided an in-depth overview of the RTI Act, covering key topics such as:

• The legal framework and objectives of the RTI Act
• The procedures for requesting and disclosing information
• The responsibilities of public institutions in facilitating access to information
• Best practices for ensuring that information is accurate, accessible, and timely
• The processes for challenging denied requests and the remedies for non-compliance

In his address, a senior official from the RTI Commission emphasized that a well-functioning democracy requires an informed citizenry, which is made possible by an open and accountable government. He highlighted that public officials must understand their role in ensuring that the RTI law is implemented effectively, and stressed that this sensitization was key to building a culture of transparency within public institutions.

The training session was interactive, with MESTI staff engaging in thought-provoking discussions and raising questions on how the RTI Act could be practically applied in their daily work. Case studies were presented to help illustrate the law’s impact and how MESTI staff can adopt best practices in managing public information requests.

The engagement was part of MESTI’s broader commitment to enhancing the knowledge and capacity of its staff to implement the RTI Act effectively. By fostering a deeper understanding of the law, MESTI aims to become a model ministry in the promotion of transparency and good governance practices.

Looking Forward
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote good governance and public sector accountability, MESTI plans to continue providing its staff with training on key laws and best practices. The Ministry remains dedicated to ensuring that public institutions across the country uphold the principles of openness, making information accessible to citizens and encouraging active participation in governance.

Stay tuned for further updates on future sensitization programs and public engagement initiatives related to the RTI Act.