July In Review
| Dear LDRI Community, Welcome to the latest edition of the LDRI newsletter! This year is extra special as we celebrate 10 years of driving data-driven policy and innovation across Africa. From pioneering research to transformative partnerships, we remain committed to advancing open data, governance, and sustainable development. Our newsletter compiles content, including a reading list, avenues for capacity building, and events from various stakeholders worldwide, with a focus on the use of data for improved service delivery in sectors such as Governance, Gender, Agriculture, and AI. Connect with us Are you following us on our socials? You can now follow us on our X, and LinkedIn accounts to stay up to date with our latest publications, events, and news. Best Regards, From the LDRI Team. |
| FEATURED THIS MONTH: LDRI PRACTICE AREAS SPOTLIGHT |
Governance Practice:Murang’a County Data Capacity Strengthening Workshop. The Local Development Research Institute (LDRI), in collaboration with GROOTS Kenya, convened a successful County Data Capacity Assessment Validation Workshop at Stanley’s Hotel in Murang’a County.The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—including representatives from county government departments, civil society organizations, and development partners—to review and validate findings from the piloted Building Responsive Investments in Data for Gender Equality (BRIDGE) Local Tool.This tool evaluates the maturity of county data systems across five critical dimensions: governance, financing, technical capacity, data infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement.Participants actively discussed the findings, providing valuable feedback to ensure the results accurately captured the county’s data landscape. In addition, they prioritized key areas for strengthening data capacity — such as human resources, infrastructure, and governance — and developed recommendations to integrate these priorities into future county plans, including the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) and Annual Development Plans (ADPs).LDRI and GROOTS Kenya extend their appreciation to all participants for their invaluable contributions and commitment to strengthening data systems that drive inclusive, evidence-based development in Murang’a County. We are looking forward to how the assessment findings can support the strengthening of Data Capacity in Murang’a CountyLDRI Data Capacity Support Programme Strengthening Development Data Systems In Times Of Crisis: Expert Roundtable In Nairobi  Data is the cornerstone of informed policymaking and international cooperation. Government data have long enabled evidence-based decision-making at national, regional, and global levels, from tracking public health and climate risks to guiding fiscal policy and measuring progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, this foundation is under increasing threat. Recent actions, such as suspending the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program and removing thousands of publicly available datasets by the U.S. government, risk disrupting the global data architecture that underpins development planning and accountability. These shifts jeopardize the continuity of helping to produce survey data on key indicators that have supported critical interventions across more than 90 countries and are instrumental in tracking progress on 10 of the 17 SDGs. At the same time, global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical priorities have led to a steep decline in international financing for development data. In response to this urgent context, a series of expert roundtables are being convened in Bogotá, Colombia, and Nairobi, Kenya. These will bring together a cross-regional group of leaders and practitioners to exchange experiences and co-develop actionable strategies to sustain and strengthen development data systems during times of crisis.The Local Development Research Institute, in partnership with Cepei, kicked started with an expert roundtable in Nairobi that brought together diverse stakeholders to exchange insights on building resilient and future-ready data ecosystems. We were honoured to be joined by Ambassador Philip Thiongo, who challenged us to think about the economic, social, and developmental value of data—a powerful reminder of the critical role data plays in shaping resilient societies. We look forward to sharing the insights gathered and co-creating together with other partner roundtable findings from Colombia, Cepei Think Tank, a comprehensive synthesis of lessons, innovations, and opportunities for action.FROM THE BLOG: Digital Data Rights Policies by African Regional Organizations and Their Adoption In Zambia and Kenya.  In the digital age, protecting personal data has become a pressing issue, and Africa is no exception. As more Africans continue participating in the global digital economy, the continent faces both immense opportunities and significant risks when it comes to how personal information is collected, used, and protected. To address these challenges, African regional organizations have developed policies to guide member states on data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity. But how far have countries like Kenya and Zambia gone in adopting these frameworks? Read More |
| RESOURCES FROM OUR NETWORKS |
| LEEPS: Turning evidence into action Evidence-informed policymaking (EIP) is the use of the best available evidence to inform or influence the design, implementation, monitoring, and assessment of policies and programs. Local, timely, and quality evidence provides needed contextual information to ensure that policies are responsive, efficient, and equitable. While there is growing momentum toward EIP across Africa, a key question persists: what does it take to make the use of evidence consistent and routine in policymaking? The answer goes beyond generating high-quality research. It involves building long-term relationships, strengthening institutional systems, and navigating the political and operational realities that shape policymaking. Read More Open Data Watch: Revisiting the Data Revolution: A Pathway to Sustainable Development Goals In recent years, the term “data revolution” has gained popularity as a transformative force for tackling global challenges. With the rise of big data, advanced analytics, and widespread connectivity, data has become recognized as a crucial element in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, as we explore this topic further, it is vital to critically examine the assumptions behind the data revolution and how they shape our approach to sustainable development. Read More WIDS 2025: Why the Women in Data Summit Matters Now More Than Ever. In an age increasingly driven by data, the exclusion of half the population from meaningful representation within data systems is not only unjust, it is a developmental disaster. As we approach the 2025 edition of the Women in Data Summit (WiDS), it is imperative to reflect on the progress, lessons, and momentum ignited by WiDS 2024. Read More |
| UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES/EVENT |
Regional Women In Data Summit  The inaugural Women in Data Summit 2024, themed “Innovation, Financing, and the Status of Women in Gender Data,” brought together a vibrant and diverse group of stakeholders, including national and county government representatives, development partners, public benefit organizations, researchers, academics, and youth advocates. Together, they explored the transformative potential of gender data, identified persistent gaps in financing and capacity, and offered actionable recommendations to advance data-driven gender equality efforts in Kenya. Looking Ahead to 2025 To build on this momentum and scale regional action, the 2025 Women in Data Summit will expand its scope to include East and Southern Africa. The summit will serve as a collaborative platform to amplify evidence, success stories, and innovations that are driving progress in gender data. Participants will share their experiences, research, and practical approaches to improving access, use, and sustainability of gender data, driving collective learning and inspiring decision-makers to act. 🎯 2025 Theme: Accelerating Resilience Through Better Data📍 Naivasha, Kenya 📅 August 19–21, 2025 Register Today! Have Something to Share? If you have any ideas for collaboration with us, or if you have any blog posts on Data, AI, or Primary health care, Gender, Agriculture, and Open Government that you would like us to promote through our platform or any events, opportunities, research, or research projects you would like for us to share within our growing network please email us at comms@developlocal.org |
