In 2016, parliament passed the access to information bill that would allow Malawians to access information with ease, but has not been implemented since. The newly appointed Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako has expressed commitment to implement the Access to Information Act.

Kazako said the implementation is important, saying access to information is a fundamental human right key to the consolidation of the country’s democracy and development. “It is high time the Act became operational.” said Kazako “This Government is committed to be transparent and accountable to the people of Malawi as its employers and this law is a crucial instrument in achieving that transparency and accountability.”

During the Peter Mutharika administration, Government’s spokesperson, Mark Botomani, said that the government is still working on implementing the bill. During the time, MISA Malawi’s lawyer, Mandala Mambulasa, bemoaned the delay, wondering why the government is taking so long, three years after parliament passed the bill. “We are surprised that three years down the line, the law has not taken effect, and we appeal to the government to expedite the implementation of the law.”