This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
On Thursday night, thieves broke into a hardware store at Sioyi trading centre in West Pokot, stealing census equipment and other valuables. The stolen items include a tablet, a USB cable, an adapter, power bank, staff badge, reflector jacket, and a bag.
According to Adrian Kemei, the Sioyi census content supervisor, he had left the gadgets at the hardware to charge overnight. However, he discovered in the morning that they had been stolen.
"The thieves took advantage of the heavy rains that pounded the area during the night. They broke into our hardware and stole the equipment as well as a gas cylinder and some cash," Kemei said.
West Pokot police commander Jackson Tumwet confirmed that officers visited the area but no arrests were made. Tumwet stated that investigation officers are tracking the stolen gadgets.
"Census officials are advised to keep in safe custody the equipment and materials since they will pay for any losses," Tumwet said.
Meanwhile, residents of Uasin Gishu County have been assured of intensified security in the upcoming Census, which starts on Saturday evening. Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdulrizak Jaldesa said officers have been dispatched to various places for better services.
On August 24, 2019, The Standard reported this incident.
