Create a centralized, accessible, and integrated open data system (KENMS0003)

Commitment ID

KENMS0003

Commitment Title

Create a centralized, accessible, and integrated open data system to improve evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and service delivery.

Problem

Lacks of centralized, accessible, and integrated open data system, leading to poor decision-making, limited transparency, and inefficient service delivery.

Key challenges include:
- Fragmented and Inaccessible Data – Government data is siloed across departments, making it difficult for decision-makers, civil society, and businesses to access and use critical information for urban planning, climate action, and service delivery
- Limited Transparency & Public Accountability – Citizens, researchers, and oversight bodies struggle to obtain budget, procurement, environmental, and mobility data, reducing public trust in governance and weakening civic participation
- Data Gaps in Key Sectors – Information on land use, air quality, climate change, and disaster response is incomplete or outdated, hampering efforts to address urban development challenges and environmental risks
- Inefficient Service Delivery & Planning – The lack of real-time data integration results in poor resource allocation, delays in infrastructure projects, and missed opportunities for data-driven governance

Status quo

Limited data transparency due to fragmented and inconsistent data management practices. While some departments collect and store data,there is no centralized system for access, integration, or public use.

- Existing Data Infrastructure but Poor Integration – The county has a data center for urban planning, but other sectors lack structured data management. There are no clear protocols for data sharing across departments.
- Limited Public Access to Government Data – While some data on budgets, revenues, and expenditures exists, it is not proactively published or standardized, making access difficult for citizens, businesses, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
- Reliance on National Systems for Key Data – Health and environmental data is mostly controlled by national agencies, limiting Nairobi County’s ability to analyze and use this information for local decision-making.
- Policy Gaps & Lack of Guidelines – There is no county-wide data policy to guide data collection, publication, and governance, resulting in inconsistencies and inefficiencies.

Action

To establish a centralized, accessible, and integrated open data system to improve transparency, decision-making, and service delivery.

Key actions include:
- Develop a County Open Data Policy & Governance Framework– Establish data collection, management, and public access, ensuring compliance with data protection and access to information laws.
- Create an Open Data Portal – Build a digital platform to publish and integrate data from key sectors, including urban planning, financial management, environment, mobility, and disaster response.
- Stock-Take and Standardize County Data – Conduct a comprehensive audit of existing datasets, improve data quality, and establish data-sharing protocols across departments.
- Enhance Public Access & Civic Engagement – Develop user-friendly dashboards, provide machine-readable data formats, and ensure accessibility for marginalized groups, including Braille and sign language adaptations.
- Capacity Building for Government & Non-Government Stakeholders – Train county officials, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector actors on data usage, publication standards, and integration best practices.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

This commitment will eliminate data fragmentation, improve transparency, and enhance decision-making by establishing a centralized Open Data System accessible to government, civil society, and the public.

Expected Outputs:
- County Open Data Policy & Governance Framework – Establishes clear data management and access regulations.
- Operational Open Data Portal -- A public platform for accessing key county data (e.g., budgets, urban planning, environment, and mobility).
- Standardized and Integrated Data – Stock-taking and inter-agency data sharing ensures real-time updates.
- Accessible Public Engagement Tools – Interactive dashboards and data in user-friendly formats (Braille, sign language integration).
- Training & Capacity Building – Officials, CSOs, and private sector actors trained on data governance and open standards.

Expected Outcomes:
- Improved Transparency ; Accountability – Open access to government data reduces corruption risks.
- Better Decision-Making – Real-time data urban planning, budgeting, and disaster response.
- More Efficient Services – High-quality data integration enhances public service delivery.
- Stronger Civic Participation – Citizens gain better access to government information, increasing engagement.
- Long-Term Governance Resilience – Institutionalized data transparency policies ensure sustainability.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

- Institutionalizing Open Data Practices – Establishing a county-wide data policy and governance framework ensures long-term transparency and data-driven decision-making
- Enhancing Public Accountability – A public open data portal allows citizens, businesses, and oversight bodies to monitor government activities, budgets, and service delivery
- Strengthening Data-Driven Governance – Access to real-time, standardized data improves urban planning, environmental monitoring, and fiscal management
- Fostering Civic Engagement & Inclusivity – Proactively publishing government data in accessible formats empowers citizens, civil society, and marginalized groups to engage in governance.
- Ensuring Policy Continuity – Embedding open data principles into county governance safeguards transparency beyond political transitions.

Primary Policy Area

Fiscal Openness, Open Data

Primary Sector

Environment & Climate, Public Services (general)

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?