President William Ruto is moving quickly on plans to reshape Kenya’s official statistics body, with a new bill that would turn the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics into the Kenya Statistics Authority. The proposal, introduced in late April, has sparked conversations in counties from Mombasa to Turkana as public participation gatherings continue this month.
A proposal has been introduced that seeks to change KNBS to the Kenya Statistics Authority. The new proposal will introduce biometric data collection, county statistics offices, a national statistics system, a statistics fund, and rules for challenging census results.
The Statistics Bill, 2026, aims to update how Kenya collects and manages data for everything from population counts to economic planning. Officials say the changes would bring the system in line with the Constitution and modern needs, especially after years of questions about data accuracy during past censuses.
New Powers and Structures on the Table
Under the bill, the restructured authority would gain tools like biometric data collection during national censuses and surveys. KNBS officials have stressed that personal information will stay protected.
“KNBS wants to assure members of the public that the data we are collecting, even now as KNBS, is very safe, secure, and stored in a proper manner,” said Linda Olueny, Acting Head of Legal Services, during sessions in Mombasa.
The proposal also calls for setting up county statistics offices in all 47 counties. These local units would handle data closer to the ground, helping county governments plan hospitals, schools, and roads with better information. A national statistics system and a dedicated statistics fund would give the body more independence in its budget and operations.
Another key element involves clearer rules for challenging census results. Supporters argue this could reduce disputes that have followed previous counts, while others worry it might add layers of bureaucracy. Public meetings have drawn mixed reactions.
Concerns Over Data Privacy and Implementation
Kenyans have voiced both excitement and caution as consultations roll out. Farmers in rural areas hope improved statistics could lead to more targeted support during droughts, while tech-savvy youth in cities question how biometric information would be guarded against misuse.
The bill expands the scope to include big data and citizen-generated information, reflecting how Kenyans now share details through mobile apps and online platforms.
Proponents say this would paint a fuller picture of daily life, from market prices in Eldoret to traffic patterns in Nairobi. Yet critics at some forums have asked whether the government can handle such sensitive data responsibly, especially after past breaches in other sectors.
Public participation runs through the end of May 2026. Citizens can submit views by email or attend meetings in their counties. The Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi Ng’ongo, is behind the bill, which seeks to repeal the old 2006 law that created KNBS.
Those familiar with statistics work point out that Kenya has come a long way since the last major census. Accurate numbers matter for everything from allocating national revenue to counties to tracking progress on poverty reduction. A teacher in Uasin Gishu told participants at one session that county-level data offices could finally give local leaders reliable figures instead of guesses.
At the same time, some statisticians and opposition voices have pushed back against the name change and expanded powers. They argue the focus should stay on strengthening independence rather than creating a new authority from scratch. Others support the move, saying it signals a serious effort to modernise institutions.
Ruto’s government has emphasised data-driven decisions in recent policy pushes, from housing projects to economic recovery plans. This bill fits into that approach, though its success will depend on how well officials address worries during the ongoing consultations.
President Ruto pushes Statistics Bill 2026 to rename KNBS as Kenya Statistics Authority with biometric data, county offices, and new funding. Public participation underway across Kenya as debates grow over privacy and independence.
