Request information from a government office, and appeal a refusal to the Ombudsman
Commission on Administrative Justice · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Ask the public office in writing (or orally) for the information you want, using Form ATI 1 or a letter or email to its Information Access Officer. They must decide within 21 days. If they refuse or ignore you, apply to the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) for a review, within 30 days.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Deadline
- The office must decide on your request within 21 days of receiving it.
- Deadline
- If the information concerns someone's life or liberty, they must give it within 48 hours.
- Deadline
- They can extend the 21 days only once, by up to 14 more days, for big requests or when they must consult others.
- Where
- First at the public office that holds the information. For a review: CAJ (Ombudsman), 2nd Floor, West End Towers, Waiyaki Way, Westlands, Nairobi, or info@ombudsman.go.ke
What you need
- An identification document, e.g. national ID, passport or certificate of incorporation (asked on Form ATI 1)
- A clear description of the information you want and why
- For a review: Form ATI 6, or any application with the same details
- For a review: a postal address, email or phone number where the Ombudsman can reach you
Steps
- Make your request to the office's Information Access Officer, in writing or orally. Form ATI 1 is the official form.
- You can deliver it at their office, by post, through their website, official email or official social media account.
- If you are refused or unhappy with the decision, apply to the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) for a review.
- Send the review application electronically (website or email info@ombudsman.go.ke) or deliver a printed copy to a CAJ office.
Watch out
- Apply for review within 30 days. The Ombudsman can accept a late application only if your reasons are good enough.
- Information itself is a right, but if you ask for photocopies, copying costs apply.
Who can apply
- Any Kenyan citizen. Getting information that helps you enjoy or protect your rights is a constitutional right (Article 35).
- Anyone unhappy with a decision on their request can ask the Ombudsman to review it.
Official sources (3)
- Access To Information Center ombudsman.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- The Access to Information (General) Regulations, 2023 ombudsman.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026
- Access to Information Act (Cap. 7M), No. 31 of 2016 new.kenyalaw.org · read 2 Oct 2026