Kericho:A three-day training program for National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) in Kericho County has been launched by the State Department for Economic Planning. This initiative aims to enhance grassroots data management and planning capabilities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training brings together officers from the county’s seven sub-counties to improve their skills in collecting, managing, validating, and utilizing reliable community-level data. This is intended to aid government planning, resource allocation, and development interventions.
The training, held at Sahara Gardens in Kericho Town, was inaugurated by Chief Economist Evelyne Bengal, who spoke on behalf of Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface Makokha. The emphasis was placed on the critical role of robust grassroots data systems in informing government planning and development interventions with timely and credible community information.
The program is designed to increase the availability and use of accurate grassroots information, enabling the government to identify local needs and prioritize development interventions. Training includes insights into the national planning architecture, the importance of administrative data in development planning, and the integration of community-level information into national systems.
During the training, officers are educated on legal and ethical frameworks for data management, including data protection and confidentiality. Topics such as household enumeration, community listing, and identifying vulnerable populations are also covered to enhance the availability of reliable grassroots data.
On the second day, the focus will shift to data quality assurance, validation techniques, and transitioning to structured digital data management systems. The sessions will also introduce digital data collection tools and standardization protocols.
The final day will concentrate on data utilization for local planning, interpreting community-level information, and its application in development monitoring. Officers will engage in reporting exercises and simulations to integrate grassroots data into planning systems.
This program is part of a broader effort by the State Department for Economic Planning to strengthen grassroots data management across the country, ensuring NGAO officers can provide accurate information for evidence-based planning and national development.
