The County Statistics Bill, 2024
Status Timeline
Proposed
Active now
Public Review
Pending
Debate
Pending
Executive
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Final
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Establishment of County Statistics Offices
Sections 3 and 4 mandate that every county establish a County Statistics Office. This office is tasked with collecting, compiling, analyzing, and distributing statistical data on county-specific matters as set out in Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution of Kenya, as well as maintaining a socio-economic database.
Competitive Recruitment of County Statisticians
Section 5 requires the County Public Service Board to competitively recruit a County Statistician to manage the County Statistics Office. Candidates must hold a degree in statistics, information technology, economics, social sciences, or mathematics, and have at least five years of administrative experience.
Creation of the Intergovernmental Technical Committee
Section 8 establishes a national-level Technical Committee to coordinate statistical policies across county and national levels. Chaired by the Principal Secretary responsible for statistics, the committee includes representatives from the Council of Governors, public universities, research institutions, and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
Legal Powers to Gather Statistical Information
Section 12 grants the County Statistics Office the authority to issue formal notices requiring individuals to furnish information, complete designated statistical forms, or participate in interviews related to county functions.
Bill No.
Senate Bill No. 5 of 2024
Gazette No.
Supplement No. 40 of 2024
Sponsor
Roba Ali
Background
The County Statistics Bill, 2024 seeks to establish a standardized framework for compiling, analyzing, and disseminating statistical data at the county level in Kenya. Reliable local statistics are vital for county planning, budgeting, and development. The Bill aims to ensure that county data collection aligns with national standards and does not duplicate national statistical efforts.
Key Amendments
- Statistics Act (Cap. 112): Section 21 of the Bill amends Section 18(1) of the national Statistics Act by removing the words ", or local" where they appear before the words "level shall," effectively refining the boundaries between national-level and county-level statistical obligations.
New Obligations
- Establishment of County Offices: Every county government must establish a County Statistics Office to manage local statistical data.
- Professional Staffing: County Public Service Boards are obligated to competitively recruit qualified County Statisticians who meet strict educational and experience criteria.
- Public Access to Data: Under Section 11, the National Government, county governments, and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics must ensure that compiled statistics are accessible to the public, in line with the Access to Information Act (No. 31 of 2016).
- Responding to Information Requests: Individuals who receive a formal statistical notice from a county office are legally required to complete requested forms, provide accurate estimates, or participate in interviews.
Penalties
- Offences Related to Statistical Surveys: Clause 19 establishes offences for persons who fail to furnish required information, make reckless or willfully false statements, or fraudulently submit inaccurate details to a county statistical officer.
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Updates will be visible here once they are approved and applied to this bill.