The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), Council of Governor’s (COG) and the Turkana County Government have joined hands to develop and harmonize tools necessary for the development of the County Statistical Abstract 2024.
The document which is envisaged to collect statistical data for all the County Departments will be aimed at enhancing informed decision making by government departments.
“This is a crucial publication in an era where data is an integral part of the planning process for informed decision making,’ the Chief Officer for Economic Planning Samwuel Ekale has said.
Chief Ekale lauded the support of the stakeholders and partners that has enhanced the good working relationship enjoyed by both the Turkana County and the stakeholders.
He reiterated the fact that it will be difficult for the county government and partners to deliver without the Statistical Abstract 2024 Document.
The four-day workshop brought together officers from the Department of Economic Planning, Directors and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers.
Facilitated by UNICEF, the meeting also brought together officers for the Planning Department of West Pokot County.
“We need statistical data in shaping the policy directions taken by the decision-making organs of the government and I commit to rallying all the available resources towards delivering this important publication, remarked CCO.
He also welcomed the West Pokot team assuring them of their safe stay in Turkana.
The Ag. Director for Monitoring and Evaluation John Ekaru, appreciated the efforts by UNICEF and the Tri-Partite team comprising of KNBS, KIPRRA and COG, citing incidences where their efforts have led to successful development of a number of tools for the Department.
This comes at a critical time when a County Indicator Handbook 2023-2027, the M&E and Statistics Policies are some of the key policies that have since been adopted.
Ekaru reiterated the fact that Turkana county was ranked among the best 14 counties in Kenya with strong M&E systems due to the efforts of the partnership.
He exuded confidence that CSA 2024 will be ready by end of November 2024.
Others who spoke during the workshop included John Bore (Manager of Field Statistics KNBS), Samuel Kaunde (KIPPRA) Eunice Daristu (COG), Vivian Nyakangi (UNICEF) and Isaac Eregae (Director ICT Turkana).
The meeting consequently led to the development and validation of data collection tools for all the five domains that were targeted.
The team also came up with the implementation roadmap to ensure delivery of the document by the end of November 2024.
