By Monica Nashon
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has launched a public participation exercise on the proposed Statistics Bill 2026, which seeks to replace the current Statistics Act enacted in 2006.
Speaking during a public participation meeting in the South Rift region, KNBS Acting Head of Legal Linda Olweny said the proposed law is intended to modernize the collection, management, and use of statistical data in the country.
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Olweny noted that the existing law was enacted before the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and before major technological advancements that have since transformed data collection and management.
She said the proposed legislation seeks to formally recognize statistics as a county government function to enable devolved units to collect and manage data more effectively.
“The new law will help counties carry out statistical work with less interference,” she said.
According to Olweny, KNBS is also seeking to expand its mandate and transition into an authority with broader responsibilities within the statistics sector.
The proposed bill further recommends the establishment of a special fund to support statistical activities across the country.
Olweny added that KNBS plans to introduce biometric data collection during national censuses and surveys to improve accuracy and efficiency.
She said the proposals were developed following consultations with stakeholders and members of the National Statistical System.
According to the KNBS official, the bureau has so far received positive feedback from various regions and will review all submissions before finalizing the draft bill.
Some participants at the forum, however, expressed concern over possible political interference in county statistical offices.
In response, Olweny maintained that KNBS remains professionally independent and committed to providing accurate data for planning and policymaking.
She noted that while some stakeholders support the establishment of county-based statistical units, others prefer KNBS to deploy its officers to counties.
An official from the State Department of Economic Planning, Shadrack, also raised concerns over sections of the proposed law dealing with the removal of board members.
He said the legislation should clearly define circumstances under which board members may leave office, including cases involving illness, absenteeism, and misconduct, in order to prevent unfair treatment.
The public participation exercise is expected to continue in various regions before the proposed bill is forwarded for further consideration.
