When seeking care at health centres in the recent past, patients were bound to physical pamphlets or cards. The landscape, however, is changing rapidly, with electronic health records (EHR) ushering in a new era of healthcare accessibility. Even though technology has unquestionably transformed society, not all African nations have completely embraced this digital transition. There…
Africa, with its tapestry of cultures and a history as old as time itself, is now amid a digital awakening. Stepping into the data era with purpose, it’s time we asked ourselves, “How do we take control of our digital narrative?” Multinational corporations are setting up the data rules—much like someone else dictating how we…
In an increasingly digital world, our lives have become intertwined with technology, opening up avenues for both convenience and vulnerability. The digital age has ushered in new opportunities for scammers, and it seems no one is immune to their tactics. Building on our last data protection awareness campaign, we sought to address issues of data…
While data generated by National Statistical Organisations (NSOs) and corporations has long been the focus of attention, there’s a growing recognition of the significance of Citizen Generated Data (CGD). CGD is data produced at the grassroots level by individuals, often through their daily activities and interactions. Through CGD citizens are not just data subjects but…
Traditionally, data collection initiatives have often been top-down, with external organizations setting the agenda and citizens responding reactively. In the traditional model, institutions play a central role in defining what data is collected and how it is collected. Citizens are seen as respondents, participating in data collection exercises initiated by others. While this approach is…
We are excited to have signed a letter to world leaders, calling on them to harness the power of data and unlock the data dividend, which we firmly believe is pivotal in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The letter will be highlighted in the High Impact Initiative ‘Power of Data: Unlocking the Data Dividend…
Nandi County is again in the spotlight, basking in the glory of its remarkable achievements. On September 6th, Nandi County received an impressive win for the 2023 Open Government Award in the Digital Technologies category for Africa and the Middle East. This award, warmly received by the Deputy Governor, Dr Yulita Mitei, clearly demonstrates their…
Most of us, if not all, have had someone politely call or message them asking for MPesa Refunds which often sound like, “Nancy, nimekutumia 5K kwa MPesa by mistake, naomba unirudishie.” (Nancy, I have erroneously sent you Kes. 5,000, kindly send it back) or “ Niko na mtoto hospitalini, ameumwa na nyoka. Please nitumie pesa…
We are proud to work with KNBS as they lead the Technical Working Group on Citizen-Generated Data. The Open Institute is proud to have played a role in Kenya’s progress in institutionalizing Citizen-Generated Data as part of the National Statistical System (NSS). Since 2015, the Open Institute has worked with communities in Nakuru North sub-county,…
Last Friday, Nandi County released the Nandi Data Desk Dashboard, which seeks to showcase the county’s data. This marks another milestone in the work we have been doing with them since we signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a data desk, which was launched in May this year. Acknowledging the partnership between the Open…
