BY: Agwanda Saye
The Kisumu County Statistical Abstract 2024 is more than just a technical publication; it is a valuable governance tool that symbolizes a collective resolve: that every decision affecting the people must be grounded in verifiable facts, credible analysis, and reliable information. This was the statement from Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy, Dr. Mathew Owili, during the Abstract’s launch, Governor Nyong’o affirmed that the County has taken a major leap in strengthening evidence-based governance and development planning.
“This document is a vital tool in our ongoing commitment to embed accuracy, transparency, and accountability in public administration,” he said. “With this launch, we look forward to further aligning our development agenda with national frameworks and global standards.”
Governor added that the data contained in the abstract will guide the County in designing initiatives that have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of its people.
The publication presents harmonized, validated, and comprehensive data across all sectors of the County’s economy, offering a crucial resource for planning, budgeting, policy formulation, and program evaluation.
He emphasized that the contained insights ensure resource allocation moves away from spontaneity or political influence and toward objectivity, justification, and transparency.
“Monitoring and evaluation of County and partner-funded projects will now be more structured, timely, and results-oriented,” Nyong’o noted. “This allows the county to shift from reactive short-term choices to strategic, impactful, and sustainable development decisions.”
The function was attended by key dignitaries, including the Director General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Macdonald Obudho; Kisumu County Commissioner, Benson Leparmorijo; and County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) George Okong’o (Finance), John Awiti (Education), Judith Oluoch (Water), and Dr. Gregory Ganda (Health), as well as representatives from UNICEF, KIPPRA, the Council of Governors, and other development partners.
The statistical abstract was produced through robust partnerships between the County Government and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), UNICEF, UNDP, World Bank, USAID, and other development partners who supported digitization, analytical work, and sectoral data systems. Universities and research institutions were also acknowledged for contributing to knowledge generation and enhancing analytical capacity.
Professor Nyong’o reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to strengthening the County’s data system by:
• Building the technical capacity of the County Statistic Unit to meet national and international standards.
• Institutionalizing the use of data in all executive decision-making processes.
• Enhancing coordination among departments to ensure consistency and high-quality reporting.
• Publishing the County Statistical Abstract annually, as required by best practice.
He called on Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to utilize the data to strengthen their roles in legislation, oversight, and budget analysis.
