Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Kenya Forum and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the quality and comprehensiveness of data
The partnership aims to bridge critical data gaps and promote the use of Citizen-Generated Data (CGD) alongside official statistics.
The moves seek to ensure more accurate and inclusive reporting on Kenya's progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Macdonald Obudho, Director General of KNBS, emphasised the importance of the collaboration.
"The MoU that the KNBS signed with the SDG Kenya Forum demonstrates our commitment to working together to improve data availability, usage, and quality for sustainable development,” he said.
The SDGs Kenya Forum, a platform dedicated to advancing the 2030 Agenda, is pivotal in coordinating efforts among Civil Society Organisations, government entities, the private sector, academia, media, and development partners.
The forum has strongly advocated for the inclusion of CGD in national reporting, recognising its potential to provide insights from marginalised and hard-to-reach communities often underrepresented in official statistics.
Florence Syevuo, Executive Director of the SDGs Kenya Forum, also highlighted the significance of the partnership.
"Today, as we formalise our journey through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, we are taking a decisive step towards strengthening our collaboration, reaffirming our commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of data for sustainable development,” she said.
KNBS, as the principal government agency responsible for statistical data in Kenya, is committed to enhancing the national statistical system and supporting evidence-based decision-making at both national and subnational levels.
By aligning with the SDGs Kenya Forum, KNBS said it was taking concrete steps to improve data availability, accuracy, and inclusivity.
The SDGs Kenya Forum and KNBS collaboration is driven by the need to address persistent data gaps in Kenya's SDG reporting.
Despite ongoing efforts, some critical areas lack sufficient official data, particularly those involving marginalised groups.
The MoU seeks to formalise the SDGs Kenya Forum and KNBS collaboration, establishing a framework for joint activities to improve data availability and quality.
