Data and information is critical in bringing out issues and forms part of the strategic, tactical and operational resource distribution. It gives managers an opportunity to strengthen gains realized and provide remedy to areas of weaknesses it highlights. In this breath, education statistics should present facts to help improve the sector’s performance. This can only be possible if the statistics for the sector are timely, accurately and reliably delivered to intended users.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and other stakeholders in the sector are committed to the provision and utilization of timely, accurate and reliable education data and information. This is made possible through a data management framework that contributes towards improving policy formulation; planning; budgeting; decision making; and program interventions. This will enhance the general performance of the sector and provide an opportunity to address the progress made towards achieving the development objectives of the education sector as stipulated in the strategic objectives in the Medium Term Plan 2013–2017; the National Education Sector Plan and the Strategic Plan 2013–2018; the national development strategies in the Vision 2030; and the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
In the past couple of years the Ministry has made several attempts at developing a comprehensive Education Management Information System (EMIS) to deliver timely and reliable education data in support of education planning and management. The attempts have faced a number of challenges which compromised the delivery of timely education statistics. In 2014 the Ministry engaged development partners to help address some of the challenges and deliver the 2014 education statistics. Arising from the support, the Ministry carried out a schools census whose results are presented in this booklet. The Ministry has also established a solid foundation that will facilitate delivery of future education statistics.
I would like to assure all education stakeholders that the Ministry is committed to institutionalizing annual data collection culture so that progress on education programs is regularly measured and reported. This will provide a source of useful data and information for planning and policy making in the sector. I wish to therefore call for your continued support and participation to ensure the realization of the sector’s development.
Prof. Jacob T. Kaimenyi PhD, FICD, EBS
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology