This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On August 29, 2019, PHYLIS WAKIAGA emphasized the importance of an effective census in informing strong economic policies.
A census is a critical national exercise that should provide imperative data needed to formulate strong and long-lasting economic policies. This data will enable us to come up with economic frameworks that outlast the typical five-year election cycle.
Evidence-based decision-making is a globally recognised approach in the efficient management of a country's resources. It is also a measuring stick on the progress of set economic targets, population growth and impact on the economy, as well as, political and social-cultural changes that have eventually shaped the trends of different demographics economy-wise.
As the country undertakes its sixth National Census since Independence, it is the first that the country has undertaken since the introduction of the devolved system of governance. This year's census will be pivotal in examining the extent to which fiscal and public policies are either catalysing or impeding growth at the county level.
Insights from census data analysis should be front and centre in national discussions, and more so, those between government and industry. Together, we will need to review our policy development in light of the resulting information. For example, we have been talking about a demographic dividend that the country can take advantage of to boost its economy; but what is the status of this demographic? What is their level of education? What are their skills? Where are they? Can they access and afford basic necessities?
Other crucial factors that will surface include the understanding and use of technology by different demographics, the rate of its adoption in businesses and access to basic technology for everyday use. The data will also highlight factors around employment; what is the current status on the rate of unemployment? Where are the jobs? Are existing jobs stable?
Statistics will assist policy-makers to identify gaps in the value chain that have the great potential to boost our country's competitiveness and grow our export markets. For instance, analysing data from communities that successfully grow and sell fruits, and whether these activities provide consistent sources of income (as opposed to seasonal); vis-à-vis investors in the country (and beyond) specialising in fruit processing and value-addition.
