[kictanet] Freedom of Information laws and records management/ e- discussion continued

[Harry Delano]

Hey, 
 
I've delved into the the document availed by Rosemary(thanks for this), and
also comments from Henry and
I was considering a response when I saw a post come in from the PS..
 
As earlier argued, I suppose a balanced approach would require we adopt both
the PS' well articulated view
on one hand, and rationally balance this against universally accepted
benchmarks such as the "platform 
on access to information".
 
This is why from the first word we need to have a clear understanding of all
these terminologies in order to
move forward. Now the PS mentions that Data in its stored form can never be
information, until the same is 
conveyed to the target audience. What of knowledge..? Where on the value
chain do we build up data into
knowledge, so that we can build ours into a "knowledge-based economy"..?
 
And if we go up the  data/information tree, what about data that has yet to
find it's way into the data bank, 
possibly some which remains in institutional memory form. How do we ensure
we capture this for future
generations?.
 
I suppose the key aspect as he has mentioned, is the The "Information Value
Chain" management. And 
everyone has a role to play other than just leaving it to one player as I
mentioned in an earlier post. The
growing challenge that we face today is, how to harness the best tools and
strategies that will bring to 
bear one of the most important resources in our time - "The information age"
for socio-economic, and 
political development.
 
And again, everyone has a role to play..
 
Harry
 
  _____  

From: Grace Githaiga [mailto:ggithaiga at hotmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2011 1:58 AM
To: harry at comtelsys.co.ke
Cc: kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke
Subject: RE: [kictanet] Freedom of Information laws and records management/
e- discussion continued




Harry, thanks for those probing questions that have kept this discussion
going and continue to raise more questions.  As a result, our attention has
been drawn to a very important document. Kudos to Kerubo for the responses.
 
Rosemary, the Africa Platform on Access to Information Declaration is a
great document. It is comprehensive and we appreciate your bringing it to
our attention. It will contribute to the review of the IRMT/IDRC study on
aligning records management with ICT, e-goverment and freedom of
information, which has been the basis of this e-discussion.
 
In your contribution, you point out that access to information cannot
succeed unless government takes initiative to develop legislation and ensure
its implementation. Harry felt that the State must at all costs avail
information. The question to listers is: 
 
 What demands would Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation place on
government?
 

Henry, you have unpackaged the Right to Information (RTI) concept in a very
practical and relevant manner. The local example using Mavoko is on spot. I
know listers will take you up on your offer to seek more information on the
topic.
 
You point out the need to have information in retrievable formats and
proactively making as much of such information public. Also, that public
servants/officers have a duty to assist citizens who may not know where to
find information they may need. 
 


What strategies could be developed to synchronize Freedom of Information and
records management initiatives?

 
And finally  to Harry: did you find out what the citizens' responsibility
would be in all this?
 
A great day to all of you listers. Lets hear your views.
 
Rgds
Grace


 


 
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If you have the strength to survive, you have the power to succeed. Life is
all about choices we make depending upon the situation we are in. Go forth
and rule the World!

 

  _____  

From: harry at comtelsys.co.ke
Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:58:44 +0300
Subject: Re: [kictanet] Freedom of Information laws/ e- discussion continued
CC: kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke
To: ggithaiga at hotmail.com


 
Many thanks Kurubo/Grace,
 
I suppose then, in light of the foregoing, State must at all costs avail
"information" under it's possession.
 
Citing the "Freedom of information" clause within this context however,
makes it imperative for State to 
do so within universally adopted benchmarks. But within  the same context,
what is the citizen's 
responsibility?
 
I could check this out. But does the clause in the same vein confer a
mandatory responsibility upon the 
citizen to ensure their exercise of this "Right to access" does not go to
waste, or does he/she have the 
freedom to exercise this right/liberty liberally.
 
One can argue that for instance,  a mother who fails to vaccinate her child
against polio, because of "failure"
to access information as opposed to "lack" of access to information should
be held responsible. Is this 
enforceable in law..? How?
 
Lastly but not least, State has only a tiny custody of information
consumable by the public. I dare say that
a lot of information/knowledge sought after by information consumers fall
well outside the State domain.
 
How do we police those outside, who hoard information desperately needed by
consumers...? And what
of those who deliberately avail misleading information/knowledge, including
state..?
 
Harry

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