The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched the first edition of the IGAD Statistics Yearbook Facts and Figures.

The book is aimed at helping the IGAD member states in policy formulation and implementation.

Speaking at the report’s launch in Nairobi yesterday, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u said accurate, timely, reliable and comparable data is imperative for analytical work that leads to planning, and policy choices, making decision-making more reflective of the situation.

“When we don’t have timely data, it becomes a major setback as you cannot evaluate, predict, and assess where you are coming from,” said Prof Ndung’u.

The CS highlighted the importance of using accurate data in decision making noting that data collection is not an easy expedition.

"When you use data, you can design policies, programmes, projects and interventions that can correct discourse in development, if not done properly, it becomes difficult to recollect your direction,” he said.

On his part IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary Mohamed Abdi Ware emphasized that the IGAD Statistics Yearbook will serve as a reliable regional data source that provides harmonized statistics across member states, enhancing regional integration, economic development, effective planning, and impactful programming.

"As you know, it is through the availability of accurate, reliable, and timely data that we can develop evidence-based policies and national development plans to achieve the prospects of the IGAD Region—a resilient, peaceful, prosperous, and integrated region where citizens enjoy a high quality of life." said Ware.

Adding " To enhance data accessibility and utilization, we have made concerted efforts to ensure the yearbook is accessible to a wide range of users, including policymakers, researchers, and the public. I encourage all stakeholders to utilize this resource for evidence-based decision-making and to inform regional policies and programs."

Ware further urged urged member states to align their priorities on the global stage.

"Looking ahead, we are committed to ensuring the yearbook's sustainability and continuous improvement in future editions. We are working towards operationalizing our Regional Strategy for Development of Statistics, which aims to strengthen statistical capacities in the region. It is essential that we ensure alignment with the AU Continental Strategy on the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa." he noted.

According to a report in the book  Kenya registered a fiscal deficit of 6.3 percent in 2022, trailing South Sudan which recorded the highest deficit at 6.6 percent.

Uganda was ranked third with a budget deficit of 5.3 percent. The fiscal deficit, which represents the gap between a government’s revenue and its expenditure, highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by the member states.