This report focuses on the digital transformation in National Statistical Offices (NSOs) in the digital era, focusing on changes in their data collection practices, and the transition from traditional roles to new roles introduced through digitization. The research report highlights the changes and challenges facing NSOs in leveraging new data sources, and in the adoption and implementation of new technologies in carrying out their function as the official statistical body. As producers of official statistics, NSOs play a significant role in informing stakeholders’ decision-making processes especially as the decisions relate to societal needs and policy formulation. Transitioning to digitised processes and approaches of collecting processing and disseminating statistical information suggests the ability to leverage new data sources for modernised statistical systems, this will influence and improve data collection processing and dissemination processes. Part of this report focuses on Kenya’s national statistical office, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the principal agency of the government of Kenya for collecting, analysing, and disseminating official statistical information. The main focus is to evaluate the changes that have been adopted with reference to its overall functioning role with the adoption of technology and digitization from a technical and organisational perspective, further looking at its legislative composition and relation to data protection. It also looks at traditional modalities that have been replaced with technology and makes recommendations with respect to any identified gaps. This is in consideration of the legal systems that enable the adoption of technology and use of data with a primary focus on the offices’ data governance structures and data protection policies.
