Open Institute

Data helps us make better decisions and effective data collection is the foundation of this process. But for many organisations working in the field, data collection is still a challenge due to poor connectivity, expensive tools, and disconnected systems that make analysis and sharing difficult. Meet Sabasi Suite, an all-in-one platform designed for real-world data collection. Explore more: sabasi.io Come see us live at the @ICT4DConference , Nairobi, 20th–22nd May 2026. #ICT4D2026 #DataGovernance #DataCollection #Sabasi #DevelopmentData #DataForGood #ICT4D #DigitalDevelopment #Tech4Good #HumanitarianTech

African researchers are generating credible and timely evidence, yet much of it still fails to shape policy because the challenge lies in how evidence is communicated, valued, and integrated into decision-making. Researchers often target academic audiences instead of policymakers who need concise and practical insights, while communities are overlooked despite their ability to meaningfully engage with data when given the opportunity. The work of Open Institute in Kilifi County demonstrates that evidence-based policymaking is possible when citizens are equipped with tools to collect and present data directly to leaders, supported by open governance structures, public participation spaces, and long-term relationships between communities and government. Closing the gap between research and policy therefore requires political will, communication embedded into research from the start, genuine community participation, and sustained collaboration between researchers and institutions. Read the full piece at openinstitute.africa/2026/05/14/the… @bcharagu @OGI_Kenya @OpenSociety @gatesfoundation #EvidenceBasedPolicy #OpenData #AfricaResearch #PolicyInAfrica

“The “brown envelope” culture can no longer be explained solely as a problem of poor pay. We have seen senior editors and influential journalists, people in powerful positions within newsrooms who are paid well, receive larger incentives to shape or influence narratives.” - Maseme Machuka - Media Complaints Commission @WinnieKamau254 @MediaCouncilK @bcharagu @AfroMediaSummit #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

“Economic and corporate pressure play a major role in shaping media freedom. In some cases, companies withdraw advertising from media houses because of unfavorable coverage, creating financial pressure that ultimately affects editorial independence and journalists on the ground.” Ken Bosire - @KenyaEditors @WinnieKamau254 @MediaCouncilK @bcharagu @AfroMediaSummit #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

“The “brown envelope” culture is not just a media problem, it is a societal issue rooted in corruption. It influences editorial decisions, shapes narratives, and determines which voices are amplified or silenced.” Dr. Abduba Mollu Ido, Board - @MediaCouncilK @WinnieKamau254 @bcharagu @AfroMediaSummit #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

“Too often, conversations around the “brown envelope” culture begin from a place of condemnation without fully acknowledging the realities many journalists face. Treating journalists with dignity, fairness, and professionalism, including reimbursing legitimate work-related costs such as commuting and field expenses, can help reduce the conditions that enable the brown envelope culture to thrive.” Maina Muiruri, Chair - @MediaCouncilK @WinnieKamau254 @bcharagu @AfroMediaSummit #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

“Journalists often work with immense dedication and commitment, going above and beyond despite earning far less than the value they bring to society.” @bcharagu @WinnieKamau254 @MediaCouncilK @AfroMediaSummit #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

The “brown envelope” culture has gradually watered down journalism by shifting the focus from impactful storytelling to financial survival. Important community stories, such as the effects of mining on local communities, often struggle to make it into mainstream media. @WinnieKamau254 @bcharagu @AfroMediaSummit @MediaCouncilK #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

“Without independent storytelling, citizens lose their voice, public trust erodes, and politics is reduced to mere performance.” @WinnieKamau254 @bcharagu @MediaCouncilK #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

How many names do we have for the ‘brown envelope’ culture? ‘Za kabej’. ‘Mshiko’. ‘Facilitation. ‘Kakitu’. ‘Za macho’. ‘Niko na njaa’. ‘Jua ni kali’. Za uji.’ Different phrases, same reality. The normalisation of these “small tokens” continues to shape newsrooms, influence narratives, and weaken public trust in the media. Join the discussion and be part of finding solutions toward a more accountable and trusted media landscape. @WinnieKamau254 @bcharagu @MediaCouncilK #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

The brown envelope is quietly reorganising Kenya's journalism, deciding what stories get told and which ones disappear. The cost isn't just to the profession,  it's to every community whose story never gets told, an injustice that never gets scrutinised, and leaving citizens navigating a distorted public reality. But what if we talked about it  openly, honestly, and with a commitment to finding a way forward? That will be our session at the Annual Pan-African Media Summit. The session 'Ethical Leadership: A Discourse on the Brown Envelope and Finding Solutions',  grounded in a reflection paper by the Open Institute and Association of Freelance Journalists  goes beyond diagnosing the problem. It asks the harder question: what does it actually take to lead with integrity in a media environment where the conditions make ethics feel like a luxury? This is a conversation for journalists, editors, media leaders, and anyone who believes the press is worth fighting for. Tomorrow, come with your questions. Come with your stories. Come with your ideas. Read the reflection paper here: openinstitute.africa/reflection-pap… Watch the episode on brown envelope: youtube.com/watch?v=ZkOLaA… @WinnieKamau254 @DavidOmwoyo @MediaCouncilK #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMedia #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

Across remote communities, organisations and field teams still rely on older Android phones for their daily work. The challenge is that most modern apps hardly support low Android versions, making it difficult for communities to access important digital tools. Sabasi Suites supports Android versions as low as Android 4, enabling field officers to keep collecting critical community data on the devices already in their hands. This means grassroots organisations and CBOs do not have to invest in expensive new phones just to digitise their work. By supporting both old and new devices, Sabasi makes data collection more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for the communities that need it most. With Sabasi, accessibility starts with compatibility. Join us from May 20–22, 2026 at the @ICT4DConference in Nairobi and experience Sabasi in action. Learn more: sabasi.io @NetHope_org @Qualcomm @Esri @Microsoft @CARE @gatesfoundation @Amref_Worldwide @ICRC_Africa @BAOSystems #ict4d2026 #datagovernance #datacollection #Sabasi #DataForDevelopment #DataForGood #ICT4D #DigitalDevelopment #Tech4Good #HumanitarianTech

What does ethical leadership in media look like, and how can the media landscape address the challenge of the “brown envelope” culture? These are some of the conversations that will take centre stage during the session, ‘Ethical Leadership: A Discourse on the Brown Envelope and Finding Solutions’ at the Annual Pan-African Media Summit in collaboration with the Association of Freelance Journalists. The discussion is inspired by a reflection paper led by the Open Institute and the Association of Freelance Journalists, exploring Kenya’s narrative crisis and possible pathways forward. Join us tomorrow and be part of the conversation. Read the reflection paper here: openinstitute.africa/reflection-pap… Watch the episode on brown envelope: youtube.com/watch?v=ZkOLaA… @WinnieKamau254 @DavidOmwoyo @MediaCouncilK #MediaEthics #Journalism #MediaFreedom #PanAfricanMediaSummit #FreelanceJournalists #AfricaMedia

Data collection, analysis, and visualisation should not be expensive or inaccessible. Yet for many grassroots organisations and community-based organisations (CBOs), the high cost of data tools remains a major barrier. With Sabasi Suite, CBOs and local organisations can use this platform for free. Access to this technology supports evidence-based decision-making and enables organisations to respond more effectively to local challenges. We believe impactful work should not be limited by access to technology. Join us from May 20–22, 2026 at the @ICT4DConference in Nairobi and experience Sabasi in action. Learn more: sabasi.io @NetHope_org @Qualcomm @Esri @Microsoft @CARE @gatesfoundation @Amref_Worldwide @ICRC_Africa @BAOSystems #ict4d2026 #datagovernance #datacollection #Sabasi #DataForDevelopment #DataForGood #ICT4D #DigitalDevelopment #Tech4Good #HumanitarianTech

Collecting, managing, and sharing data can be challenging, particularly in areas with limited digital infrastructure. Through our work with communities in remote regions like Kilifi County, where internet connectivity is often unstable or unavailable, we realised that many conventional data collection tools could not effectively meet local needs. To address this challenge, we developed Sabasi Suite, a platform built to support seamless data collection and sharing even in offline environments, while ensuring data accuracy and security. With Sabasi, users can gather data without internet access, securely transfer it through Bluetooth, and access real-time insights once connectivity is restored. Join us from May 20–22, 2026 at the @ICT4DConference  in Nairobi and experience Sabasi in action. Learn more sabasi.io @NetHope_org @Qualcomm @Esri @Microsoft @CARE @gatesfoundation @Amref_Worldwide @ICRC_Africa @BAOSystems #ict4d2026 #datagovernance #datacollection #Sabasi #DataForDevelopment #DataForGood #ICT4D #DigitalDevelopment #Tech4Good #HumanitarianTech

Internet connectivity should not stop you from collecting critical data. With Sabasi Suite, you can capture data seamlessly even in the most remote areas. Unlock real-time insights, and make confident, evidence-based decisions. Join us from May 20–22, 2026 at the @ICT4DConference in Nairobi and experience Sabasi in action. Learn more: sabasi.io @NetHope_org @Qualcomm @Esri @Microsoft @CARE @gatesfoundation @Amref_Worldwide @ICRC_Africa @BAOSystems #ict4d2026 #datagovernance #datacollection #Sabasi #DataForDevelopment #DataForGood #ICT4D #DigitalDevelopment #Tech4Good #HumanitarianTech

Meet the Sabasi Suite: one seamless ecosystem bringing together surveys, dashboards, and portals. Built for real-world impact to make data collection faster, analysis sharper, and insights instantly usable, even in the most challenging environments. This means organisations and individuals can move from data to decisions in record time,  improving how communities are understood, served, and supported. Do you care about making data work where it matters most? This is something you will want to see. Join us, May 20–22 at the @ICT4DConference Learn more: sabasi.io @NetHope_org @Qualcomm @Esri @Microsoft @CARE @gatesfoundation #ict4d2026 #datagovernance #datacollection #Sabasi #DataForDevelopment #DataForGood #ICT4D #DigitalDevelopment #Tech4Good #HumanitarianTech

Announcement: Leadership Transition at the Open Institute - mailchi.mp/openinstitute/…

Announcement: @Open_Institute Leadership Transition After twelve years at the helm, @alkags has left the role of Executive Director of the Open Institute. More details at openinstitute.africa/2026/05/04/sta…