The government is planning a major overhaul of Kenya’s official data agency through a new law that will scrap the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and replace it with a more powerful body, the Kenya Statistics Authority (KSA).
The proposed changes are contained in the Statistics Bill, 2026, which seeks to repeal the current Statistics Act of 2006 that established KNBS.
If passed, the law will dissolve the bureau and transfer its functions, assets, and staff to the new Authority.
The Bill shows that the planned shift is not just a change of name but a full restructuring of how official statistics are produced, managed, and controlled in the country.
The push comes in the shadow of repeated discrepancies between KNBS-released data and statements from President Ruto, particularly regarding jobs and economic performance.
President William Ruto has in the past been quoted as stating that the affordable housing program has created over 200,000 jobs, at times raising the figure to more than 250,000.
However, KNBS data shows that the entire economy created about 822,000 jobs in 2025, with more than 87 percent in the informal sector and only marginal growth in formal employment.
In the construction sector, where the housing program falls, official data shows limited gains and even a loss of about 2,900 jobs in the private segment in 2024.
On sugar, President Ruto said imports dropped by 70 percent, while KNBS data shows a decline of about 44 percent.
On maize, the President put production at 67 million bags, but KNBS reported 44.7 million.
KNBS Replacement
According to the draft law, the main aim is to create a stronger, more independent national statistics system that can meet modern data needs and support government planning.
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The Bill states that the new Authority will act as the main agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and sharing official statistics across the country.
It also introduces a broader data mandate that goes beyond traditional surveys and censuses. The Authority will oversee the use of administrative records, big data, and even citizen-generated data in the production of official statistics.
At the same time, the law seeks to align Kenya’s statistical system with the Constitution, especially after devolution, and to ensure that data production is based on clear standards and professional independence.
The Bill further requires that all statistical work be done without political or external interference, giving the new Authority legal backing to operate independently.
New Structure and Expanded Powers
Under the proposed law, the Kenya Statistics Authority will be established as a corporate body with the power to operate independently, own property, and enter into contracts.
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Its management will shift to a Board of Directors appointed largely by government officials, while a new position of Statistician-General will serve as the chief executive and head of operations.
The Authority will have wide powers, including coordinating all statistical activities in the country, approving surveys conducted by other institutions, and maintaining a national database of official statistics.
It will also be required to conduct the national population and housing census every ten years and oversee all major surveys.
Another key change is the creation of County Statistics Offices in all 47 counties.
These offices will handle local data collection and work under the supervision of the national Authority, creating a more integrated system between national and county governments.
The Bill provides clear transition rules in case the law is passed.
All assets, liabilities, and ongoing operations of KNBS will automatically move to the new Authority. Staff currently working at KNBS will also be absorbed into the new organisation on terms that are not less favourable.
In addition, any reference to KNBS in existing laws and documents will be interpreted as referring to the Kenya Statistics Authority going forward.
The law also proposes the establishment of a National Statistics Fund to support large-scale data collection and modernization efforts, including the use of new technologies.
