Abstract

Statistical Literacy in Kenya: Statistical literacy in Kenya is a critical aspect of development, enabling informed decision- making, evidence-based policymaking, and effective resource allocation. However, only 42% of the adult population in Kenya demonstrated a basic understanding of statistical concepts and data interpretation, according to a 2022 survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). To address this, efforts are underway to enhance statistical literacy. Statistics is now a mandatory subject in secondary schools, and initiatives like the Statistical Literacy for Empowerment (STALE) program, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), provide training and resources to educators and policymakers. Despite these efforts, further investment and commitment are needed to ensure widespread statistical literacy, empowering Kenyan citizens to actively engage in data-driven decision-making. ISLP in Kenya and NSO initiative: The International Statistical Literacy Program (ISLP) creates an opportunity to democratize data skills among students. Kenya has been an active ISLP chapter and has run 2 national competitions, in 2021 and in 2023. Undergraduate students have been the most active participants in the competition, with Maseno University students (led by Dr Thomas Mawora and Dr Joyce Otieno) coming first in the 2021 competition and Garrisa University students (led by Mr Etyang Isaac) coming first in the 2023 competition. Challenges Faced in ISLP Activities in Kenya ISLP Kenya chapter has been in existence for several years but with limited activities and achievements. One of the biggest challenges in coordinating ISLP is competing priorities between their daily work and coordinating ISLP activities. The coordinators sought to find a sustainable way forward through involvement and collaboration with KNBS. Another key challenge has been the lack of resources to mobilize participants in the ISLP Country competitions and other ISLP activities. At the moment, the coordinators invest their time and resources in ISLP activities. This hampered their abilities to mobilize and motivate participants during competitions. Sustainable way forward Having run the 2023 competition, there was a high interest by students to participate because the competition creates: ● An opportunity to find purpose​● An opportunity to interact with peers & learn​● An opportunity to challenge themselves​The ISLP model promotes interaction between students and teachers which ensures rigor, credibility & skill building. ​KNBS is now keen to play an active role in leading and coordinating the ISLP work in the country, guided and supported by the country coordinators to expand the reach of ISLP and bring in other collaborators and stakeholders. This will be the first initiative in Africa to have a National Statistics Office take on ISLP activities.