Online data desk to boost planning

The county has unveiled a data desk, which is an ICT platform where residents can monitor ongoing projects in real time.

The data desk, established in collaboration with the World Bank and Open Institute, a non-governmental organisation based in Nairobi, also enables residents to obtain information on all county departments.

Governor Alex Tolgos said the initiative will result in better planning, as it will make data easily available.

"We have been carrying out public participation and residents have been proposing projects, but there was no data to show available projects and guide priorities," Mr Tolgos said yesterday in Iten during the launch.

Available data

The platform uses data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and other agencies to enable the county to plan development projects based on the needs in every ward.

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Tolgos said establishment of the data desk is part of the county’s commitment to the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a global reform movement that champions public participation in project identification and implementation.

“When we made this commitment, we thought it was a tall order. Next time when we go to the people for public participation, we will ensure that we allocate money where there is need,” he said.

Tolgos said through the platform, residents can access all data on the county, including health, water, agriculture and education statistics, among other services at the click of a button.

Co-founder and CEO of Open Institute Al Kags said the data desk will help the county overcome governance challenges.

Mr Kags added that Elgeyo Marakwet is among six counties, including Baringo, Makueni, Kilifi and Taita Taveta, that are establishing the open data portal.