Kisumu launches 2024 Statistical Abstract, pledges data-driven governance

Kisumu Launches 2024 Statistical Abstract, Pledges Data-Driven Governance. Faith Matete 

The Kisumu government has launched the Kisumu County Statistical Abstract 2024, marking a major step in strengthening evidence-based planning and transparent governance.

The publication is the most comprehensive compilation of county data produced since 2015.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Mathew Owili said the launch reflects the county’s renewed commitment to credible, verifiable data as the basis for decision-making.

He said the document marks a significant milestone in entrenching accuracy, transparency and accountability in public administration.

Nyong'o added that every decision affecting residents must be grounded in verifiable facts, credible analysis and reliable information.

According to the governor, the document offers harmonised and validated data across all economic, social, and governance sectors. 

He said that the county can now shift from intuitive or politically influenced allocations to objective, justified and transparent resource distribution. 

The governor added that monitoring and evaluation of county and partner-funded projects will now be more structured, timely and results-oriented, and that with data, the county can identify local solutions to global challenges.

Nyong’o said that the document aligns Kisumu with national development frameworks and international statistical standards, and announced plans to publish the abstract annually while strengthening the county statistics unit.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics director general Macdonald Obudho lauded Kisumu for joining the small number of counties that have successfully compiled a statistical abstract. 

Obudho said only nine counties, including Kisumu, have produced one so far.

He emphasised that no meaningful planning can happen without statistics, adding that planning without understanding needs and the actual situation is ineffective.

“Sectors such as education and health rely heavily on accurate data, since planning for classrooms, medical personnel, or addressing disease burdens requires detailed information on population size, age distribution and geographic vulnerabilities.”

Obudho said that before putting funds into the health sector, it is necessary to know whether infrastructure, personnel, or equipment is needed and that such information must be known in advance.

Finance and economic planning executive George Okong’o described the launch as the beginning of a long-term effort to improve data collection, reporting and usability across departments. 

He said the process is work in progress and the county will rely on data users to confirm whether the publication meets their needs and how future editions can be improved.

He urged residents, businesses, researchers and partner organisations to use the document and provide feedback. Okong’o also said the document is publicly accessible online through the Kisumu county website, where it can be downloaded in PDF format.

Governor Nyong’o further called on the county assembly, private sector, civil society and academic institutions to use the data for legislation, investment planning, research and programme design. 

He encouraged county departments to align monitoring and evaluation frameworks with the indicators in the document to ensure measurable results.

The governor said the document bridges the gap between policy intentions and development outcomes, ensuring that what is planned aligns with what is delivered.

He officially declared the Kisumu County Statistical Abstract 2024 launched and expressed gratitude to KNBS and development partners who supported the process.