--- Al Kags <alkags@alkags.com> wrote:
http://davepress.net/2008/03/10/public-servants-must-blog/
I just came across the above article and I wonder what the thoughts of this groups. One would imagine beyond the official policy and regulations
We cannot avoid starting with the "siri kali" colonial relic law (Official Secrets Act, Cap 187, Laws of Kenya) because Civil Servants risk outright sack for "leaking" *any* useful info:( unless blog's about how they spent their holidays;) I think this is why selective amnesia plays when certain uncomfortable questions are put to people in authority--even on this list. --- 1.16 Security The Cabinet Office briefs Ministers on applicable security requirements, from time to time. During their tenure of office and after, all Ministers and Assistant Ministers are bound by the Oath of Office, the Official Secrets Act as well as the Public Officer 7 Ethics Act and must therefore maintain confidentiality at all times. In addition, they must ensure that cabinet information is not released without Cabinet Office approval. Permanent Secretaries are accountable to their Ministers for the security of departmental personnel, information, facilities and other assets. All individuals who work in or for MinistersÂ’ offices must be vetted and approved before appointment. In addition, Ministers have been granted armed police security throughout. The officers are always in contact with the wider police network in case additional back up is necessary. However, Ministers should not hesitate to inform their Permanent Secretaries if increased security is needed. Ministers are required to notify their Permanent Secretaries immediately of any potential compromise of Cabinet confidences. The Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service can provide Ministers with further information on security matters. <http://www.marsgroupkenya.org/Reports/Government/mar_07/HANDBOOK_ON_GOVERNING_RESPONSIBILITY_IN_KENYA.pdf>
is a social impediment to public servants blogging. What would need to happen to get us to a point where we have official public blogs?
Thus in the prevailing situation the blog would be no more that another intelligence gathering avenue to help Government spokesman respond better else untrustworthy "anonymous" Civil Servant blogger trying attempting to to opinionate us by releasing "confidential" misinformation, in my opinion. Scrap OSA and give Civil Servants room to freely inhabit the internet space. Happy Easter Holidays! Alex ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping