By John Kariuki
The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), also known as the Office of the Ombudsman, hosted a High-Level Luncheon Meeting with Principal Secretaries at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi. The forum provided a vital platform to deepen understanding of the Ombudsman’s constitutional and statutory mandate while fostering stronger collaboration with State Departments.
The meeting brought together senior government officials to deliberate on pressing issues relating to the management of public complaints and administrative challenges within government institutions. It also examined emerging governance trends and how ministries can align their service delivery with the growing demands for transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered governance.
Key discussions revolved around enhancing accountability in public administration, developing robust mechanisms for addressing citizen grievances, and strengthening intergovernmental cooperation through structured mediation to resolve conflicts. The Commission emphasized that safeguarding the rights of citizens and ensuring efficient resolution of complaints remain central to its mission.
The engagement was led by Commission Chairperson Mr. Charles Dulo, who underscored the importance of sustained dialogue with senior government officials. He was joined by the Vice Chairperson and Commissioner in charge of Access to Information, Commissioner Djemator, as well as the Commission Secretary and CEO, Ms. Mercy Wambua. Their participation signaled the Commission’s unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and the rule of law.
By creating a direct platform for interaction, the Ombudsman Commission sought to strengthen institutional trust and reinforce its role as a bridge between citizens and government. It highlighted that effective complaint handling and responsive governance not only improve service delivery but also build public confidence in State institutions.
This High-Level Luncheon forms part of the Commission’s broader strategy to entrench a culture of accountability and citizen engagement across government. The Office of the Ombudsman reaffirmed its readiness to work hand in hand with ministries and agencies to build a more just, transparent, and people-driven public service.
