The Kenyan government has abandoned its biometric system for the 2019 national census, citing technical limitations and transparency concerns. The decision follows criticism over the 2009 census's data authenticity and unresolved questions about 2017 election biometric technology.
KNBS director Macdonald Obudho explained that children under five lack reliable biometric features, making the system unsuitable. He referenced a report indicating the country's unpreparedness for biometric census technology, while acknowledging the government is awaiting 164,700 mobile tablets assembled by Moi and JKUAT universities for data collection.
Obudho confirmed the tablets will include real-time data transmission via a national census dashboard. However, secrecy surrounding the census has drawn scrutiny, with officials holding undisclosed meetings and failing to address queries about costs and processes.
Denying allegations of hidden agendas, Obudho called the meetings routine given the census's complexity. He also rejected claims of favoring biometric firm Idemia, which supplied equipment for the 2017 elections. Political leaders emphasized the census's role in resource distribution and elections, with ODM treasurer Timothy Bosire noting that regions may reject the process if it lacks fairness.
Bosire referenced the 2009 census, stating manual systems made authentication difficult. Mandera Governor Ali Roba questioned the 2017 biometric system's credibility, while leaders urged participation to influence 2022 presidential elections and boundary demarcation.
