Al Kags

Data collection has predominantly been through the government lens, prioritizing government perspectives and agendas hindering genuine development progress. Al foresees a world where citizens steer development through "citizen generated data."

Data collection has predominantly been conducted through the lens of governments and organizations like NGOs and development agencies, focusing on what these entities deem important rather than the actual needs of citizens. This top-down approach often overlooks local nuances and grassroots issues, leading to misaligned priorities and ineffective interventions. Al believes that for real development to occur, data collection must shift to the citizen level, enabling a comprehensive understanding of community-specific challenges and allowing citizens to shape their own development.

Al has created a pioneering approach to collecting relevant, accessible data to inform government and community decision making, helping governments and citizens more effectively address community problems. "Citizen generated data" is a process for communities to design questionnaires and data collection priorities, collect the data from their community, analyze the data and use the data to take action on the most important community issues. Al is gathering quality, relevant information from community members who possess firsthand knowledge, utilizing tools he has created, including the accessible and free-to-use data collection tool, Sabasi. Additionally, he is enhancing the capacity of government officials through initiatives like establishing county statistical units and help desks, with the aim of utilizing this data for informed decision-making.

Al's approach has recently reached a significant milestone in Kenya where citizen-collected data is now officially recognized as official statistics by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. He aims to extend this successful approach beyond Kenya to other regions of Africa.

In many countries, including Kenya, national statistical agencies like the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) collect and disseminate data on various socio-economic indicators, such as population demographics, economic output, and health outcomes. While this national-level data offers a broad perspective on trends and conditions across the country, it often lacks the granularity needed to capture the diverse challenges experienced at the local level. For instance, consider the issue of healthcare access. National-level data might indicate an overall increase in healthcare coverage or a decrease in mortality rates, but it fails to highlight disparities in access to healthcare facilities or quality of services between urban and rural areas or among different socio-economic groups within a county. Without access to accurate and up-to-date data at the local level, decision-makers face significant challenges in identifying, understanding, and addressing the specific needs and priorities of their communities. This hinders their capacity to prioritize interventions and allocate resources efficiently.

The absence of this data complicates efforts to monitor progress and evaluate the impact of interventions over time. Without reliable data on key performance indicators at the local level, decision-makers struggle to assess whether their policies and programs are achieving the desired outcomes or if adjustments are needed to improve effectiveness. This lack of feedback loops between data collection, analysis, and decision-making continues a cycle of inefficiency and ineffectiveness in governance and community development efforts. Outdated or inadequate data also contribute to misallocation of resources and missed opportunities for investment and growth. For instance, without data on unemployment rates, education levels, and household incomes at the county level, it becomes difficult for policymakers to tailor employment programs or educational initiatives to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations within their jurisdictions.

The challenge is compounded by the lack of capacity at the local level to collect and analyze data effectively. Across many countries, including Kenya with its 47 counties, this deficiency stems from various factors such as limited funding, insufficient skilled personnel, and inadequate technological infrastructure. Counties often struggle to allocate resources for comprehensive data collection initiatives due to competing priorities, resulting in a scarcity of granular-level data that accurately reflects community needs. The shortage of qualified professionals in areas such as statistics and data management worsen the problem, as does the limited access to reliable internet connectivity and computing resources in rural or underserved areas. Even when data is available, government officials at the county level frequently lack the necessary data literacy and analytical skills to obtain actionable insights hindering their ability to formulate evidence-based policies and interventions.

Beyond the challenge of data collection, there exists a broader issue of insufficient data literacy among citizens. This extends beyond lack of access to data; it encompasses a misunderstanding of the role and significance of data in governance and decision-making processes. Many citizens do not fully grasp the importance of data as a tool for informed decision-making, nor do they possess the necessary skills to interpret and analyze data effectively. As a result, they struggle to understand the implications of government policies or to advocate for evidence-based solutions to address their community's needs. This lack of awareness and capacity undermines citizens' ability to engage meaningfully in governance processes holding their leaders accountable, and actively participate in shaping policies that affect their lives. Without a well-informed and empowered citizenry, the democratic process is weakened, and the potential for inclusive and responsive governance is diminished. Data from the Afrobarometer survey reveals low levels of civic engagement across Africa, with only 35% of Africans reporting participation in community meetings discussing local issues in the past year, indicative of a broader trend of citizen disengagement.

Al’s strategies are rooted in the core belief that citizens are the true proprietors of their governments. His efforts focus on equipping citizens, enhancing data literacy, promoting citizen-generated data, advocating for open data and transparency, encouraging active citizen participation, and fostering global collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Central to his approach is the pioneering of citizen-generated data, a revolutionary method transforming how communities engage in data collection and analysis. Citizen-generated data is an approach where ordinary community members, rather than external experts or organizations, are equipped to gather, interpret, and utilize data relevant to their own lives and contexts. This bottom-up method contrasts sharply with traditional top-down models, ensuring that the data collected truly reflects the needs, priorities, and insights of the community. Under Al's leadership, Open Institute has developed key tools like SABASI, a free-to-use data collection tool that does not require an internet connection, making it accessible to all. SABASI features end-to-end encryption that ensures that the data collected is secure and cannot be accessed by unauthorized third parties, maintaining the privacy and integrity of the community's information. The SABASI platform has democratized data collection, enabling over 60,000 citizens to actively participate in monitoring and evaluating local government performance.

In Lanet-Umoja in Nakuru County for example, Al and his team undertook a comprehensive community engagement, beginning with garnering support from local administrators such as Chief Francis and raising awareness about citizen generated data and how it can be used for development. Community members, after receiving training on data collection methods, gathered data from all households totaling 12,500 in Lanet. Following data analysis and sharing, the community identified priorities and challenges, leading to collective decision-making on actionable steps. Some issues were addressed independently by the community, while others were advocated for with the government. They successfully lobbied the county government to establish a medical facility in their location and collaborated with the non-profit organization Start with One to provide water filters for every household in the community, addressing a critical need for clean water. Active citizenship was also evident as seen in initiatives like the collaborative efforts in Wanyororo to clean up a school and the establishment of a gender committee with significant female representation to address gender inequalities in their area. Al has scaled this approach in all other counties in Kenya.

Collaboration with community-based organizations (CBOs) and civil society groups is integral to Al's strategy for grassroots engagement. AI trains these CBOs on citizen-generated data which allows them to not only pass it to their communities but also gather essential grassroots feedback on the evolving needs and challenges faced by these communities. This feedback directly informs policy development and service delivery strategies, making them more responsive and effective. A significant part of this collaborative effort is Maono Space, an initiative Al has created as a vibrant hub for collaboration. Maono Space brings together over 80 CBOs to work on joint projects and initiatives. By working closely with CBOs, AI ensures that community engagement continues effectively at the local level.

AI also aids governments at both national and local levels in building their capacities for data utilization through initiatives like the Open County Project and the Data Leaders Fellowship. These efforts include establishing structures for citizen engagement and building the capacity of government officials in economic planning. These efforts enhance statistical capacity, promote transparency, and equip officials with data-driven decision-making skills. The establishment of County Statistical Units (CSUs) ensures accurate and timely information for local decision-making with plans for nationwide expansion. Collaboration between CSUs and the national statistical system enhances coherence and reliability, supporting comprehensive national planning. The integration of community-driven data into governance is demonstrated by initiatives such as the Citizen Generated Data Group within the national government. Additionally, the acknowledgment of citizen-generated data as part of national statistics signifies the recognition of grassroots perspectives in shaping policy and planning at all levels of government. By institutionalizing citizen-generated data within national frameworks, local voices are now not only heard but also integrated into broader national development strategies.

Advocating for open data policies and transparency initiatives within government institutions is another key aspect of Al's strategy. Initiatives like the Kenya Open Data Initiative (KODI) promote transparency and accountability by publishing core government data and advocating for open data policies. Al's support for the Access to Information (ATI) Advocacy includes providing support to individuals and organizations seeking to exercise their right to access government information, enhancing transparency and accountability in governance processes. In partnership with Amnesty International, Al aims to bring together expertise in data for human rights and data for development towards strengthening data governance in Kenya and Africa as a whole. Their primary goal is to collaborate to bring the data protection for human rights and data for development communities together to learn from and work closely with each other in order to strengthen advocacy around data governance issues in Kenya.

In addition to his local initiatives, Al is currently leading efforts to establish comprehensive data governance frameworks across East Africa for the first time. With this he aims to implement common standards and practices region-wide, ensuring consistency and trustworthiness in data management and usage. Al's vision extends beyond national boundaries as he engages in global collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Al not only shares best practices but also contributes to shaping global standards. Furthermore, his commitment to documenting impact and disseminating knowledge through research and publications facilitates the exchange of insights and lessons learned on a global scale.

Al Kags grew up in Malindi, raised by his hardworking mother who ensured a comfortable childhood despite financial constraints. Although his biological father was mostly absent, he contributed significantly by providing books, fostering Al's deep love for reading and technology from a young age. Disenchanted with traditional education practices, Al sought creative ways to challenge himself. His entrepreneurial journey began in high school, where he sold snacks and small electronics to fellow students and friends. At 16, he acquired his first computer, a Compaq 386, and began learning skills like desktop publishing and coding, which he would later use in his career.

In 2000, Al relocated to Nairobi, where his entrepreneurial spirit continued to thrive. He established a company called Multiple Choices, specialising in developing enterprise technology tools. In 2005, this company launched Africa’s first blogging platform, Peupe, which was later sold to a multinational company.

While running his technology company, Al co-led the process of designing and preparing Kenya’s ICT national policy, which President Mwai Kibaki launched in 2006. He subsequently worked at the Kenya ICT Board (later Authority), supporting the policy's implementation. He played a pivotal role in developing the Kenya Content Strategy, the internet access strategy, and strengthening public-private partnerships for innovation and eGovernment initiatives.

In 2011, recognising the challenges Kenyans faced in accessing data and public information, Al chaired the Kenya Open Data Initiative. He collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including the World Bank and local technology companies, making Kenya the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to publish data from all ministries in machine-readable format.

This initiative propelled him into a global role, where he served in the Global Open Data Working Group and the Global Open Data Initiatives, advocating for open governments. Despite the proactive stance on open data by various governments, including those of Ghana, Tanzania, and Moldova, Al noticed that citizens were not effectively utilising the data. He also observed that much of the data lacked the local relevance necessary for meaningful citizen engagement with the government.

To address these challenges, Al co-founded the Open Institute, which focuses on three main objectives: promoting government responsiveness, encouraging active citizenship, and developing strong data governance systems.