Mombasa: The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has assured Kenyans that their personal information will remain safe and secure under the proposed use of biometric data in censuses and surveys outlined in the Statistics Bill, 2026. The bill, which is currently undergoing nationwide public participation, proposes the transition of KNBS into the Kenya Statistics Authority and the establishment of the National Statistical System.
According to Kenya News Agency, KNBS Acting Head of Legal Services Linda Olueny stated during a public participation for Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, and Lamu counties that the Authority and the National Statistical System will coordinate and regulate statistical activities to ensure statistical standards, confidentiality of information, and compliance. The Authority, to be led by a Statistician General, will serve as the principal government agency responsible for the collection, analysis, coordination, and dissemination of official statistics in Kenya.
The proposed bill seeks to introduce the use of biometric data in censuses and surveys to enhance accuracy, prevent duplication, and ensure the integrity of data collected. The proposed law allows the authority to collect and process biometric data during national censuses and surveys, implementing measures to ensure the security, confidentiality, and integrity of such data. Biometric data will not be shared for administrative, enforcement, or investigative purposes without a court order.
‘KNBS wants to assure members of the public that the data we are collecting, even now as KNBS, is very safe, secure, and stored in a proper manner,’ said Linda Olueny. She emphasized that the new bill will reinforce data security and confidentiality, adhering to the Data Protection Act, the Access to Information Act, and Article 35 of the Constitution.
The bill aims to repeal the current Statistics Act, Cap 112, aligning it with the new constitution and technological advances that introduce new data sources. It also proposes the establishment of a Statistics Fund by the Cabinet Secretary to finance large-scale statistical activities and the creation of County Statistics Offices for local planning purposes.
