This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
Published on September 10, 2019, the amended law allows the Cabinet Secretary for Planning to revise or annul the results of official data, including census, economic growth data, and monthly inflation data.
The law, signed by President Uhuru Kenyatta on August 14, has sparked concerns about resource distribution and political representation, and its implementation must be handled with care to avoid chaos among interest groups.
While proponents argue that the law is meant to correct errors, it may generate suspicions from the public and the political class if applied selectively or prejudicially.
With the devolved systems of governance, numbers have become a sensitive issue in Kenya, as counties handle key functions like healthcare, agriculture, and water that require equitable allocation.
Allocation and distribution of resources to devolved units are closely scrutinized due to their direct impact on county wealth and growth.
The State must address public fears surrounding the new law and win the confidence of the public by ensuring that data gathered by the KNBS is accurate and credible.
Focus should be on empowering the statistics agency to bolster its data collection and analysis capacity, including better staffing and acquisition of modern data collection equipment and techniques.
Public disclosure of statistical data would help address any suspicions of manipulation by the State, and the public should stay informed about all data gathering exercises and outcomes.
