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Components of open data decision-making should flow both from the top to the bottom and vice versa. At the horizontal level, technological changes, liberalisation of knowledge sharing and knowledge management, networking, legal systems and human development all work together to drive the ecosystem and leverage development. While the starting point is data, it is the information translated from this data that has the potential to eradicate poverty in Kenya and Uganda. Despite the efficacy of the ecosystem, interactions among the different nodes which make up the structure are not necessarily evident in both Kenya and Uganda. Often, the different actors in the ecosystem function in isolation, duplicating efforts and not capitalising on the core competencies and capabilities that each possess. The open data ecosystem is, therefore, in the case of Kenya and Uganda, more theoretical than operational. Strengthening the linkages would provide a firm basis upon which open data can function effectively to achieve its goals. Future research could focus on the functioning of ecosystem linkages and how they can be leveraged for better results. The availability of funds through a development partner played a role in the early success of KODI in Kenya. The absence of this kind of funding in Uganda may be one of the limiting factors in the launch of a national open data initiative. So, whereas there is some political will in both countries, lack of funding is the main barrier to the initiation and operation of open data initiatives in Kenya and Uganda. It is worth noting that having an access to information act, as is the case of Uganda, does not necessarily imply citizens’ access to information. This suggests that open data is politically driven and requires, among others, political drivers such as an open data champion in order to become a reality. Op e n d a t a a n d r e s o u r c e a l l o c a t i o n f o r p o v e r t y e r a d i c a t i o n Endnotes 1 See www.opengovpartnership.org. 2 According to the Open Definition (http://opendefinition.org/): ‘A piece of data or content is open if anyone is free to use, reuse, and redistribute it – subject only, at most, to the requirement to attribute and/or share-alike.’ 3 In this study we used data from both secondary and primary sources. Secondary data collection involved a review of relevant literature, published and grey, on the evolution and functioning of open data programmes in Uganda and Kenya. Other information was gathered from key institutions involved in the generation of data and information including government ministries; local governments; civil society organisations; research and academic institutions; private enterprises; and agencies that are implementing pilot programmes (such as the United Nations Children’s Fund/DEVTRAC in the Uganda and Kenya Open Data Initiative). Semi-structured interviews with key informants were also used. Using the study objectives, the research team developed a semi-structured interview guide that was used for key informant discussions with the stakeholders. Finally, during the course of the study, a series of meetings and workshops were held within which discussions centred on open data and its role in transparency. Proceedings from these meetings contributed to the overall study. References UBOS (Uganda Bureau of Statistics), 2010. Uganda National Household Survey 2009/10 pdf UBOS. Available at: www.ubos.org/ UNHS0910/unhs200910.pdf Accessed 8 December 2014. APC (Association for Progressive Communications) and CIPESA (Collaboration on International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa), 2012. Uganda Open Government Data Readiness Study pdf APC. Available at: www.apc.org/en/system/files/Open%20Government%20Data%20 Readiness%20Study%20for%20Uganda-final.pdf Accessed 8 December 2014. Lwanga-Ntale, C., 2014. The Uganda Open Development and Open Data Process: Is the tide about to change? webpage Open Development Data – Uganda. Available at: http://blog.opendevdata.ug/2014/02/19/the-uganda-opendevelopment and-open-data-process-is-the-tide-about-to-change/ Accessed 8 December 2014. Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2014/15 85 1. An open government where transparency and collaboration are emphasised, citizens have the right to access official public information and they have a responsive voice to issues of development 2. There is collective action by citizens to tackle their development challenges 3. Co-creation and co-ownership of development solutions by government and citizens who are fully engaged in the development process of their nation 4. Utilisation of multiple sources of development knowledge in a feedback and learning mechanism of development 5. The international development partners and development institutions have embraced open data and knowledge solutions Importance of media Most people do not act because they do not have information. People do not have information because they do not demand it. They do not demand it because they do not know that it exists and because of this they do not know and exercise their rights, and therefore do not care. The media is key in this nexus. Uganda Ministry of Finance official DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES (DI) is an independent organisation which focuses on the analysis and use of data for the elimination of extreme poverty. The organisation has, since 1993, increased transparency in all development resources, including aid, government (domestic) and humanitarian resources, for more effective poverty eradication initiatives. The DI Africa Hub based in Nairobi, Kenya, provides a regional perspective to DI’s work on eradicating poverty. DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND TRAINING (DRT) is involved in carrying out policy-oriented research and analysis focusing on eradication of poverty and, more specifically, chronic poverty. DRT has, since 1997, worked with governments, multilateral organisations and NGOs to undertake specific policy-oriented research and analysis aimed at informing and influencing a wide range of issues, including poverty reduction, in Uganda and other East African Countries.


CEP template 2012
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