Data Collection Companies in Kenya: Who Runs Surveys

Updated 30 October 2026

Updated October 2026

The main data collection companies in Kenya range from the state’s Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) to private research firms such as Infotrak, mobile survey company GeoPoll and field-network firms such as PollsAfrica. They collect data face to face on tablets (CAPI), by phone (CATI) and by SMS or app. Each recruits enumerators project by project, which is why data collection work in Kenya comes in short bursts.

Data collection companies in Kenya and how they work

Survey methods explained

• CAPI (computer-assisted personal interviewing): enumerators interview face to face on phones or tablets using tools such as ODK, KoboToolbox or SurveyCTO.
• CATI (computer-assisted telephone interviewing): interviewers call respondents from a list.
• SMS and mobile web: respondents answer on their own phones, often for airtime rewards.

For businesses: choosing a data collection partner

1. Ask for sampling methods and how respondents are verified.
2. Check county and language coverage.
3. Ask how enumerators are trained and supervised, and how back-checks are done.
4. Confirm compliance with the Data Protection Act, including consent and storage.

For workers and respondents

Job seekers can read Job in Kenya’s guide to data collection jobs in Kenya and field officer jobs. For other earning options, see our best side hustles in Kenya and best online jobs that pay via M-Pesa. Survey income is taxable once it is regular; see tax on online income in Kenya.

How a typical survey project runs

1. Design: the client and research firm agree on objectives, the questionnaire and the sample (which counties, how many respondents).
2. Recruitment: the firm hires enumerators and supervisors, often locally. Infotrak’s June 2026 drive, for example, asked for CAPI experience and an Android device.
3. Training and pilot: field teams are trained on the questionnaire and tested; a short pilot checks the questions work.
4. Fieldwork: interviews are done on phones or tablets, with GPS and timestamps on each record.
5. Quality control: supervisors back-check a share of interviews by calling or revisiting respondents.
6. Analysis and reporting: the data is cleaned, weighted and reported to the client.

Respondent incentives

Mobile survey firms often reward respondents. GeoPoll says it gives incentives such as airtime or M-Pesa for completed surveys. Field projects sometimes give a small token of appreciation; this is set by each study.

Choosing between in-house and outsourced data collection

Scam warning: legitimate platforms and research firms never charge you to join, unlock tasks or withdraw. Do not share your M-Pesa PIN, and report fraud to your mobile money provider, the DCI and the NC4 cyber incident hub.

Typical requirements for enumerators

Data protection basics for survey clients

Under Kenya’s Data Protection Act, respondents’ personal data needs a lawful basis, usually informed consent. Ask your research partner how consent is recorded, where data is stored, who can access it and when it is deleted. This matters for both reputation and compliance.

How a typical survey project runs

1. Design: the client and research firm agree on objectives, the questionnaire and the sample (which counties, how many respondents).
2. Recruitment: the firm hires enumerators and supervisors, often locally. Infotrak’s June 2026 drive, for example, asked for CAPI experience and an Android device.
3. Training and pilot: field teams are trained on the questionnaire and tested; a short pilot checks the questions work.
4. Fieldwork: interviews are done on phones or tablets, with GPS and timestamps on each record.
5. Quality control: supervisors back-check a share of interviews by calling or revisiting respondents.
6. Analysis and reporting: the data is cleaned, weighted and reported to the client.

Respondent incentives

Mobile survey firms often reward respondents. GeoPoll says it gives incentives such as airtime or M-Pesa for completed surveys. Field projects sometimes give a small token of appreciation; this is set by each study.

Choosing between in-house and outsourced data collection

Frequently asked questions

Which companies collect survey data in Kenya?

KNBS for national statistics, and private firms including Infotrak, GeoPoll and PollsAfrica, among others.

Does GeoPoll pay in Kenya?

GeoPoll says it gives respondents incentives such as airtime or M-Pesa for completed surveys.

How do data collection companies recruit enumerators?

Project by project, through adverts, county recruitment drives and field lists. Infotrak, for example, recruited across 16 counties in June 2026.

What is CAPI in data collection?

Computer-assisted personal interviewing: enumerators record face-to-face interviews on phones or tablets using tools such as ODK or KoboToolbox.