This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
As the national census gets underway in the Rift Valley, Regional Coordinator George Natembeya has assured residents that adequate security measures are in place to ensure a smooth exercise.
Speaking on August 20, 2019, Natembeya said that more police officers have been deployed to the region to beef up security during the census, which will take place from August 24 to August 31.
The counties that will be participating in the census include West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Markwet, Baringo, Laikipia, and Samburu.
“We will provide adequate security to people living in areas that report high cases of insecurity attributed to cattle rustling. Nobody should have fears of being attacked,” said Mr Natembeya.
He added that the police would work closely with chiefs, assistant chiefs, and elders to ensure the exercise is a success, as they understand the terrain in their localities and are best suited to assist the enumerators.
“Chiefs and elders will help in collecting accurate information required by the government. They will ensure the officers conducting the census reach out to all locals in their areas,” Natembeya said.
After the census is concluded, security agents will launch a synchronised operation to restore law and order, beef up security, recover illegal firearms, and arrest suspected cattle rustlers.
However, Natembeya noted that the operation will have to wait because the same officers have been assigned to provide security during the census.
He warned that anybody found disrupting the exercise would be arrested and charged, and asked the public to contact the police if they were threatened or stopped from participating in the census.
“All we need is co-operation from members of the public and a conducive environment for the census to be a success. Everyone should ensure they participate in the exercise,” he said.
