Background

• Accurate, timely, sufficiently disaggregated data is critical to informed decision-making, monitoring of progress , and evaluation of outcomes—especially in the context of the post-2015 development agenda.
• Data is now a critical asset to county governments.

Problem

While data is now a critical asset to County Governments; it is important to:
● Note that there are challenges and limitations that prevent County Governments from collecting, using and sharing data across their operations
● Identify ways in which county governments can be supported to store, nurture, share, and manage data in a sustainable manner

The Data Desk (a solution)

“A data desk is envisaged to be a (both offline and online platform through which users can obtain relevant and actionable data about the county”

What is required?

Key activities

• Signing of an MoU to establish roadmap
• Development of data collection tools to support M&E
• Capacity development of officers from sectoral departments, statistical unit, M&E committee and ICT officers
• Working with the Department of Economic Planning to develop the Data Desk (digital platform) which will also serve as a Monitoring and Evaluation dashboard
•  Baseline assessment and evaluation of capacities

Key Activities

1. Transfer any data from paper formats, PDF reports onto machine readable and reusable formats before upload in the Open County platform. 
2. Verify data quality by comparing it to source documents and any additional triangulation.
3. Perform regular updates of data.
4. Provide training and support services to county staff, on usage of the Open County Platform as well as how to share data and resources to CoG.

What will be the value of the Data Desk? 

1. To the Public (media, citizens, CSOs, private sector): monitoring Service Delivery
2. For the private sector, published county priorities (in procurement plans for example) can help forecast potential opportunities.
3. Other departments/SDU: early warning on achievements of targets.
4. The County Assembly: Budget absorption
5. County/National government: Improving value for money: by increasing the quality and quantity of data, 
6. Easing reporting using the data as an important part of the annual State of Devolution

Examples where has this been done?

Nandi County

Makueni County