This archive report was first published on 6 August 2019.
Kenya's population census, scheduled to take place in August, is set to clash with the third term school reopening, raising concerns that many students and teachers may miss out on the exercise.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has written to the Education ministry, requesting that the school calendar be adjusted to give ample time for the census.
According to the KNBS, the census night falls on August 24-25, and many parents, learners, and teachers will be traveling on that weekend in readiness for the third term.
KNBS Director-General Zachary Mwangi stated that the bureau is in close consultation with the Ministry of Education to ensure everyone is captured during the census.
With 8.8 million and 2.6 million learners in primary and secondary schools, respectively, the bureau fears that the dent on the count could be huge if many parents are left out.
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has not replied to the KNBS' request, with sources at the ministry indicating that he is concerned that the changes will affect the administration of national exams later in the year.
KNBS has announced that data collection will continue for seven days until August 31, and enumerators will be deployed to schools to enlist those who may have missed out.
Additionally, military barracks, convents, prisons, inpatient hospitals, and people in transit will also be taken care of, with enumerators posted at bus stops and social joints.
