Kenya has made positive progress on 61 per cent of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, outpacing the global average as the country intensifies efforts to meet the 2030 deadline.
Speaking to the press after the official opening of the 2025 National SDGs Multi-Stakeholder Conference in Mombasa, Principal Secretary (PS) for Economic Planning Dr Bonface Makokha revealed that the country has registered progress in 103 out of 168 SDG indicators, attributing the gains to deliberate investments by the national and county governments, development partners, and local communities.
Dr Makokha noted that Kenya’s performance contrasts with global trends, where only 35 per cent of targets are on track.
“Our national data shows positive progress in 103 of the 168 SDG indicators, about 61 per cent, thanks to deliberate investments by government, counties, partners, and communities,” Makokha stated.
The three-day conference, under the theme “Race to 2030: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships, Collaboration and Innovative Financing,” has brought together members of parliament, county government representatives, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, private sector players, and youth groups.
Makokha emphasised that persistent data gaps remain a major challenge to planning and accountability, both nationally and globally. He said strengthening data architecture is critical for effective programme targeting and measuring impact.
“Without timely and reliable data, we cannot target our programmes effectively, we cannot measure impact honestly, and we cannot see the communities who risk being left behind,” the PS said.
He further highlighted several government initiatives aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda that are advancing SDG objectives. In agriculture, over six million farmers now benefit from improved access to fertiliser and extension services, while hundreds of aggregation centres are helping farmers secure better prices.
The Hustler Fund has disbursed more than Sh74 billion to millions of Kenyans, unlocking credit for small businesses. Additionally, the Sh 5 billion NYOTA programme, launched in collaboration with the World Bank, is supporting 70 youth from every ward with capital under its business component.
In housing, the Affordable Housing Programme has created over 330,000 direct jobs while delivering homes to Kenyans. The Social Health Authority has registered 25.8 million members supported by 100,000 Community Health Promoters.
On digital transformation, over 12,000 government services are now accessible through the eCitizen platform, improving efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. County governments have also strengthened their capacity to integrate SDG priorities into County Integrated Development Plans.
The PS revealed that Kenya will host the 2026 Global Data Festival, positioning the country as a continental leader in data-driven development and innovation.
He stressed that achieving the SDGs requires collective effort beyond government, calling on the private sector, youth, civil society organisations, and community structures to play their part.
“The private sector remains a critical partner, not only for financing, but for technological innovation and scalable solutions. Our youth, who make up more than 70 per cent of Kenya’s population, are central to this journey,” Makokha said.
Dr Jackson Koimburi from Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) echoed the sentiments, emphasising that achieving SDGs targets in Kenya requires coordinated action, stronger partnerships and clear strategies for resilience and competitiveness.
“The SDGs targets cannot be achieved by the government alone, that’s why we have a multistakeholder approach with the government, the private sector and donors,” said Dr Koimburi.
by Sitati Reagan
