This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
As Kenya embarks on its national census, starting today and tomorrow, it is essential to conduct the exercise professionally to generate accurate data for planning and development.
The 2009 census results were marred by controversy, with some communities in northern Kenya rejecting their figures due to perceived inflation and unrealistic numbers, leading to a court standoff.
Despite the government's assurance of a smooth exercise, there have been multiple complaints about the preparations, including protests over the recruitment of counting clerks and provision of resources.
The census is a political and economic subject, determining constituency and ward boundaries, resource allocation, and even elections. It is crucial to resist manipulative activities, such as relocating to rural areas to be counted, which can falsify records and undermine resource planning.
Urban residents deserve resources and services just like those in rural areas, and the correct picture about their needs cannot be attained if individuals shift to be counted where they do not live.
To ensure a fair census, the government must guarantee security, conduct the exercise professionally, and efficiently generate correct figures.
