Lokichar- March 13, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
To enhance data-driven governance, Turkana, West Pokot, and Samburu counties participated in a four-day capacity building workshop on the development and digitization of County Statistical Abstracts (CSAs).
This workshop was organized by the Council of Governors (CoG) in collaboration with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Over 40 officers from the Economic Planning Directorates from the three counties attended and were trained on the accurate and accessible data for effective planning, policymaking, and service delivery. The training also aimed to enhance participants’ skills in data management and to facilitate a smooth transition from manual to digital systems.
The key objectives of the workshop included assessing ongoing CSA development activities, monitoring and evaluating statistical initiatives, and training participants on the new digital CSA tools. A new generation CSA model was also introduced to promote collaboration between KNBS and county governments.
Lokidap Nakoel, Director of Administration, Economic Planning who spoke on behalf of the Chief Officer, Samuel Ekalale, shared that Turkana County has completed 75% of its data collection.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Rotuno Kipsang, highlighted the organization’s role in helping counties develop reliable CSAs. “Digitized CSAs are essential tools for effective planning and budgeting, ensuring that counties have access to structured and easily retrievable data,” he said.
Jimmy Samuel, a representative from the Council of Governors, emphasized that CSA development and digitization are vital for effective governance. “Data-driven governance is the foundation of effective planning and service delivery,” he said.
KIPPRA’s Senior Statistician, Samuel Kaunde, noted that digitization would streamline data collection processes, reducing the need for manual requests. “The shift to digital CSA systems will facilitate seamless access to statistical information for decision-makers,” he added.
John Bore, Manager for Field Services at KNBS, also expressed their commitment to supporting the counties in their digitization efforts, stating, “data-based evidence will ensure data-driven interventions for the counties.”
The workshop marked a significant milestone in the counties’ digitization efforts, equipping participants with hands-on experience in implementing statistical data and metadata exchange (SDMX) frameworks.
