The State Department for Economic Planning launched Phase II of the Training on Grassroots Data Management for Evidence-Based Planning in Turkana County on Tuesday. The three-day session, held at a Lodwar hotel, brought together County Commissioner Julius Kavita, Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Chiefs, and Assistant Chiefs. The event was officially opened by Kavita on behalf of Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration. Omollo emphasized the importance of timely, reliable data for effective governance, stating that the program’s success would be measured by its outcomes rather than the number of participants trained.
Dr. Omollo highlighted that the initiative seeks to enhance decision-making through structured data collection, ensuring information flows seamlessly from grassroots levels to national planning. Consultant Alphonse Obonyo of the World Governance Center noted that the training aims to standardize data formats, addressing previous challenges where inconsistent reporting hindered analysis. The program, supported by the State Department for Economic Planning, Konza Technopolis, and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, will equip NGAOs with an app to securely collect and manage data in compliance with the Data Protection Act. Obonyo praised participants for their engagement, stating the training would strengthen national planning efforts.
The initiative reflects broader efforts to modernize governance in Turkana, a region historically underserved in data infrastructure. By streamlining data management, the government aims to improve resource allocation, policy implementation, and accountability. The structured system reduces delays in information processing, enabling faster responses to local needs. Officials stressed that the program’s long-term impact hinges on sustained capacity building and adherence to standardized protocols across administrative levels.
The training underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration for inclusive development. With 500 boda boda riders recently issued licenses in Turkana, the focus on data-driven governance aligns with broader efforts to enhance transparency and service delivery in the county. The program’s success could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges in grassroots data management.