Can you get information held by a private company?

Steps

1. Find the company's Information Access Officer. By law this is the chief executive, or the person in charge of its administration.
2. Make your request in writing or by speaking to that officer. You can use Form ATI 1, or send it by post, email, the company's website or its official social media account.
3. If the company refuses or you are unhappy with its decision, apply to the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) for a review. You can apply on its website, by email, on its official social media, or deliver a printed copy to its offices.
4. If you disagree with the Ombudsman's decision, you can appeal to the High Court within 21 days of that decision.

Who this covers

• Kenyan citizens who need the information to use or protect a right or fundamental freedom.
• The Access to Information rules name private bodies providing services such as health care, transport, energy, farming, education, water, financial services, hospitality, professional services, private pension schemes, trade unions and media.
• Everyone also has the right to have untrue or misleading information about them corrected or deleted.
• The Act covers private bodies that receive public money or resources, carry out public functions or services, or hold exclusive contracts to exploit natural resources (for those funds, functions, services or resources).
• It also covers any private body holding information of significant public interest about human rights, the environment, public health and safety, corruption or illegal acts, or information that may help you exercise or protect a right.