“Counting Kenyans from the Ground Up”: Govt Trials New Grassroots Data Plan in Tharaka Nithi
By Margaret Naishorua
The Government has launched a new grassroots data programme in Tharaka Nithi County, aiming to bring national planning closer to the everyday realities of ordinary Kenyans by collecting information directly from households and communities.
The pilot project is expected to change how decisions on development, budgeting, and public services are made by relying less on estimates and more on real data gathered from the ground.
The initiative, led by the State Department for Planning in partnership with the National Treasury and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), seeks to build a living database that reflects what is actually happening in villages, towns, and households across the country.
Officials say the goal is simple: ensure that no community is left out when government resources are being allocated.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ workshop in Chuka, County Commissioner David Gitonga said the programme is a step toward more practical and people-centered governance.
“The Government is working towards developing a robust database that will facilitate appropriate budgeting, planning, and service delivery. Tharaka Nithi has been selected to pilot this programme, which is expected to provide a model for wider implementation,” he said.
Instead of relying on outdated figures or assumptions, officials will gather data on population trends, livelihoods, and community needs directly from residents. This information will then guide decisions on services such as schools, hospitals, water projects, and roads.
Development experts say such approaches can help bridge the gap between policy and reality, ensuring that projects reflect what communities actually need rather than what is assumed from afar.
The programme is also expected to improve accountability by making it easier to track where resources go and whether they are making a real difference on the ground.
If the pilot succeeds, it will be rolled out across the country, potentially reshaping how Kenya plans and delivers development for years to come.
About Author
