Remarks By The KNBS Board Chairman, Mr. Edwin S. Osundwa, Ebs, During The Launch Of The 2011 Economic Survey Report On  15th May 2012 At KICC

Honourable Ministers;
Honourable Assistant Ministers;
Permanent Secretaries;
KNBS Board Members;
Director General, KNBS;
Senior Government Officers;
KNBS Staff;
Development Partners and Members of the Diplomatic corps;
Members of Press;
All Protocols observed;

Ladies and Gentlemen;
I am delighted to be part of this occasion of the official launch of the 2012 Economic Survey Report. The Report is timely as it provides indicators that aid the Government in policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation of development initiatives undertaken both by the public and private sectors of the economy. I commend the Bureau for the efforts they have put to have this Report ready in time. I note with appreciation the insatiable demand for data, particularly at this time, as the Government is implementing Vision 2030, which is a long-term strategy to drive the economic agenda of the country.
I recognize the immense support KNBS receives from the Government through the Ministry, all geared towards generating up-to-date data for effective planning and monitoring of various programmes. as mandated by the Statistics Act, 2006. This act recognizes the Bureau to be the principal agency of the government for collecting, analyzing and disseminating statistical data in the country, as well as being the custodian of official statistical information.

Ladies and Gentlemen;
In an effort to improve the quality of statistics, the Bureau has undertaken a number of activities to bridge the existing data gaps. Key amongst these activities include; the census in-depth analysis which will inform Government on pertinent issues, including resource allocation. Other key activities the Bureau intends to undertake include the creation of a new National Sampling Survey and Evaluation Programme (NASSEP), Revision and Rebasing of National accounts and undertaking of a Household Budget Survey (HBS). As a Board, we will always endeavour to provide users and policy-makers with timely statistics to facilitate decision-making.
As a Board, we are also aware of some of the main challenges facing the Bureau, such as inadequate resources which restrain the implementation of various statistical activities. The Board reiterates the need for enhanced budget to support KNBS activities. This is further compounded by the new constitutional dispensation, requiring the Bureau to establish fully-fledged County Offices to replace the existing District Statistical Offices

Ladies and Gentlemen;
We are grateful to our data providers who promptly respond to our data requests. It is our sincere hope that data providers will continue to provide information voluntarily. Towards this end, in an effort to ease the process of data submission, the KNBS has harmonized all data collection instruments - questionnaires and forms. The harmonization has ensured that our instruments are user friendly and easier to administer. This not only reduces delays in compilation and processing, but also, minimizes respondents fatigue and resistance to provision of information. The Board continues to assure data providers that information provided is treated with confidentiality as stipulated in the Act.

Ladies and Gentlemen;
I wish to recognize with appreciation, the technical and financial support we have received from our development partners. I urge them to continue partnering with us in supporting statistical activities and programmes in the country.
I hope that the Bureau's activities in the areas of data collection will help in getting further insight into some of the programmes being undertaken by the Government. We look forward to continued dialogue and partnership with you as we seek to find ways to improve on statistics.
THANK YOU