Kenya’s National Bureau of Statistics has initiated a public consultation process regarding the upcoming Statistics Bill 2026, aimed at superseding the current legislation from 2006.
During a public forum in the South Rift region, KNBS Acting Legal Head Linda Olweny stated that the new legislation aims to enhance modern methods for collecting, managing, and utilizing statistical information nationwide.
Olweny highlighted that the current law predates the 2010 Constitution and significant technological innovations that have revolutionized data handling processes.
The proposed bill intends to formally establish statistics as a county government responsibility, allowing local administrative units to gather and manage data more efficiently.
This legislation will enable counties to conduct statistical operations with reduced external interference.
Olweny further indicated that KNBS aims to expand its mandate and evolve into a comprehensive authority with wider responsibilities in the statistics field.
The draft bill also suggests creating a dedicated fund to support statistical initiatives throughout the nation.
Additionally, KNBS plans to incorporate biometric data collection in national censuses and surveys to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
These proposals were formulated after engaging with stakeholders and participants from the National Statistical System.
The KNBS representative noted that the bureau has obtained favorable responses from different regions and will evaluate all inputs before finalizing the bill draft.
Several forum attendees, however, voiced apprehension regarding potential political interference in county statistical offices.
In response, Olweny affirmed that KNBS maintains professional independence and is dedicated to supplying precise data for planning and policy formulation.
She observed that although some stakeholders back creating county-based statistical units, others favor KNBS assigning its officers to county locations.
A representative from the State Department of Economic Planning, Shadrack, also raised issues about provisions in the proposed legislation concerning the removal of board members.
He emphasized that the law should explicitly outline conditions under which board members might be removed, including situations of illness, absenteeism, and misconduct, to prevent unjust treatment.
The public consultation process will continue in multiple regions before the proposed bill advances for additional review.