World Bank approves $ 50 million to support KNBS

World Bank approved $ 50 million (Kshs 5 billion) program to support the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) to generate better and more accessible data to inform policy-makers and contribute to strengthening its capacity.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) received Sh2.4 billion in the first phase of a five year programme to improve collection and analysing of statistical data.

KNBS Chairman Terry Ryan said counties lack quality data due to lack of a benchmark for them to compare their performance against.

“National Treasury signed all agreements, World Bank Country Director gave the go ahead for the loan, and government released the first phase of the money, awaiting reimbursement when the programme becomes effective,” said Mwangi on the sidelines of the Africa Statistics Day celebrations in Nairobi.

Mwangi said there is need to expand more data sources to effectively monitor SDGs instead of solely relying on traditional methods of providing data adding that the bureau is coordinating all sources of data production to include as many as possible.

“High-quality data are critical to measure progress in growing the economy, reducing poverty and fostering shared prosperity. When statistics are up-to-date and regularly released publicaly, the data will inform decision making in the public and private sector alike,” saidDiariétou Gaye, Country Director for Kenya.