This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from Kenya statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from Kenyan statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other Kenyan-specific metadata information.
| Goal |
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation |
|---|---|
| Target |
Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending. |
| Indicator |
Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP |
| Metadata update |
2024 |
| Related indicators |
None |
| Organisation |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Contact person(s) |
Senior Manager, National Accounts Statistics |
| Contact organisation unit |
Directorate of Macroeconomic statistics |
| Contact person function |
Production and Dissemination of Annual GDP , Quarterly GDP and National accounts statistics |
| Contact phone |
+254-20-3317583/+254-20-3317612/+254-20-3317586] |
| Contact mail |
30266-00100, Nairobi Kenya |
| Contact email |
directormacro@knbs.or.ke |
| Definition and concepts |
Definitions: Research and development (R&D) expenditure as a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the amount of R&D expenditure divided by the total output of the economy. Research and experimental development (R&D) comprise creative and systematic work undertaken in order to increase the stock of knowledge – including knowledge of humankind, culture and society – and to devise new applications of available knowledge. |
| Unit of measure |
Per cent (%) |
| Classifications |
The 2008 system of national accounts International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC 4) of all Economic Activities |
| Data sources |
Administrative data and secondary data from surveys |
| Data collection method |
The indicator is derived from GDP at current prices by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Public expenditure on research and development is collected from different MDAs, while information on private expenditure is collected through surveys. |
| Data collection calendar |
Annual |
| Data release calendar |
April of every year |
| Data providers |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, National Accounts |
| Data compilers |
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics |
| Institutional mandate |
According to the Statistics Act of 2006, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is mandated to collect, compile , analyze, publish and disseminate official statistics for public use |
| Rationale |
The indicator is a direct measure of research and experimental development (R&D) spending referred to in the target. |
| Comment and limitations |
Research and experimental development (R&D) data need to be collected through surveys, which are expensive. In addition, not always cover all sectors are covered although estimation is done. |
| Method of computation |
Computation of the indicator on Research and Development (R&D) expenditure is a proportion of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices. |
| Validation |
GDP is validated to check for errors. The validation procedure involves ensuring that aggregates are equal to the sum of their components and that data series which are provided in multiple tables are represented consistently. |
| Methods and guidance available to countries for the compilation of the data at the national level |
2008 System of National Accounts |
| Quality management |
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is ISO certified based on 9001:2015 Standard requirements. The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control, are carried out following the methodological framework and standards established by the KNBS, in compliance with the Internationally acceptable standards. |
| Quality assurance |
The KNBS adheres to Kenya Statistical Quality Assurance Framework (KesQAF) that underlines principles to be assured in managing the statistical production processes and output. Data consistency and quality checks are conducted through Technical Working Groups (TWGs) before publication and dissemination. |
| Quality assessment |
The processes of compilation, production, publication and dissemination of data, including quality control are subjected to a set criteria and standards to ensure conformity. |
| Data availability and disaggregation |
Data is available from 2015 onwards. |
| Comparability/deviation from international standards |
Consistent with SNA 2008 |
| References and Documentation |
Kenya Quality Assurance Framework (KeQAF), UBOS Metadata Handbook for Sustainable Development Goals, 2008 System of National Accounts https://unstats.un.org/unsd/publication/seriesm/seriesm_4rev4e.pdf |
| Metadata last updated | Aug 28, 2025 |