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{
    "id": 704672,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/704672/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 258,
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    "content": "There was the maximum possible utilization of statistics for purposes of information and means of collection of information available to official bodies. There will be various regulations for anybody who wants to go and collect information in our counties. There will also be an office that they will engage in the counties so that there is uniformity on how information and statistics are collected in our counties. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, another important role that this office will have is to advise the county governments on all matters related to the use and development of statistical information. It is said that if you fail to plan, you will be planning to fail. We do hope that this office will play this critical role especially in the process of budget making in our counties. It is important to see why a certain amount of our county budget should go to a specific area. We need that information so that we do not assume that a particular county this and yet their fair share of their budget should be this. It is not by assumption because we know what assumptions do. It is the mother of other bad things. So, we do not want to make assumptions when making critical decisions on what percentage of our budgets should go into various dockets. The office statistician working together with the CEC in charge of finance will play a critical role to ensure that they make decisions on what needs to be done in terms of development. The other important role is providing liaison between the national and county governments on matters relating to statistics. I have talked about it. It is important for the two levels of government to engage so that even later when we are doing Division of Revenue, it will be guided. Also, since we will be collecting information in a uniform manner across all counties, that information will be shared with the national Government. According to the Constitution, the two levels of Government will continue to collaborate and consult on matters touching counties. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the fifth thing is coordinating the county statistical system. This office will be in charge of all matters regarding data and statistics. It will also be useful in developing and using statistical standards and appropriate methodologies, subject to the direction of the committee in the County Statistical System. We know that it is not just anybody who can claim that they can handle statistics. It is an expertise. So, it cannot just be left to individuals or dockets. It is important that we get people with the relevant expertise in our counties to develop the standards that will be used to collect this data. The second last issue as stipulated in the Bill is monitoring the technical quality of official statistics and promoting adherence to good practices and international recommendations and standards. This office will come up with standards that will be used by both that office and anybody else who would want to know how they can engage in terms of collecting data. The office will have that information readily available in the counties. Lastly, it will carry out all other functions relating to statistics which have not been mentioned in this Bill. They will come up with the functions provided that they stick to issues to do with statistics and data collection. We took a lot of time to deliberate on how then we can have this office in place in counties. It is for the reason that I said it needs to have its autonomous way of working so that it is not an extension of the governor’s office, where they will be asked to say this is The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate"
}