There was a time in Africa to speak about Open governance and leaders’
abuse of power was a crime. Listening to my father and the way he speaks about
the ruling system in 60’s, 70’s and 80’s you will definitely realize enquiring
about how the government running its businesses was considered to be an offence
to the government in some countries an act of treason and betrayal to the
government.
Things have changed a lot and among the major influencers in changing the
system has been the advancement in technology. People wright now has several
ways of sharing information online and reaching their communities, a single
statement on twitter of a politician or activists can reach thousands of his
followers within fraction of a minute. What does this mean? The governments are
no longer safe and the more they try to hide the details to the people the more
they are being exposed to their people.
Out of 54 African countries only 2 of them Kenya and
Tunisia are participating in the open data community; releasing important information
and details about their government and country available online for free and
for everyone to access. It is a great
initiative but is not enough for the large continent like Africa to just have
to countries which have officially accepted the open data policy in their
countries. I remember during the Google Dar (GTUG) event one of the speakers
representing the government through COSTECH was asked why Tanzania is reluctant
to join the effort but he gave a political answer that we are still working on
it.
Kenya they are doing good with and effort on transparent Africa using their
platform Open Data Kenya (https://opendata.go.ke/).
Through the platform people could access several information concerning their
countries and most of the time these details has been useful to individuals
doing particular research or analysis about the government efficiency and where
to stress in more effort to convince the government to tackle the problem. Am talking
about Kenya since it is our neighbor in East Africa and already practicing the
system and facilitating the policy.
Data is the most important thing wright now; people need know what is
happening within the government so that they can make proper decision on whom
to choose during election and where to invest and several other things. Foreign
investors are always looking for countries with stable government system,
proper supervision and transparent ruling system.
Through technology people can be reached easily, government officials can
get opinions and views of the community on how to impact several problems
facing the communities. Technology has been used to encourage people to participate
in several activities which might improve the livelihood of the local people. The
re-tweet of Hon. John Mnyika (MP) of Ubungo Constituency encouraging people to
share their views about the Tanzania new constitution is among the proves of
how technology can be used to encourage open governance and get people involved
to the decision making.
RT "@MichaelDalali: Kwa dakika 5 tu unaweza kuleta mabadiliko Tanzania. Shiriki
sasa. Toa maoni yako hapa: http://www.katiba.go.tz/index.php/toa-maoni-yako/wanaoishi-ndani-ya-nchi …
#KatibaMpya"
Technology has
been used by African leaders to emphasize on certain projects and create
awareness to the people about the execution of those projects on how people can
be involved in the process.
The
e-Schools project to connect 300 schools by 2013 to the net under National
School Connectivity Plan http://ht.ly/eHGau #Tanzania
Tough questions and suggestions have
been posed to the government officials about matters affecting the country
through twitter pages and accounts. For example this tweet from Zitto Kabwe
among the famous and popular Tanzania young politician on twitter;
As
suggested by one here, Prime Minister
Mizengo Pinda has completely
failed to explain govt actions on billions held by Tanzanians offshore
It’s a great start and yes, we have
come so far to reach here from the days that only single person can make all the
tough decision and nobody is asking to where we are today. It’s a great
achievement. I have just being informed about mRushwa (http://www.mrushwa.com/) the initiative
started by Hon. January Makamba the Tanzania's Deputy
Minister for Communication, Science & Technology and Bumbuli Member of
Parliament. The initiative is aiming at fighting against
corruption in Tanzania through the use of technology were by people will be
able to report crimes and acts of bribery direct through their mobile phones and
computers.
mRushwa is
a web and mobile based corruption reporting application in Tanzania, that aims
to increase citizen reporting. The USSD reports are available on the web in
real time. (KINUvation)
It is the time we return the supremacy
the power to control the government to the people through technology. Through
the use of digital media and hand held devices people can be able to express
their opinions and ideas directly to the ruling part of the community. It is
the time we embrace technology and use it to shape the ruling systems of
African countries.
Jumanne Mtambalike
TECH360 Correspondent