This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
Government Defends Census Data Collection ¶
As the ongoing census continues, the Government has defended its decision to collect personal identifiers, saying it is not engaging in unauthorized mass surveillance.
Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna explained that the details collected are important in helping to verify people's identities, particularly in cases where individuals are masquerading as Kenyans with fake IDs.
Amnesty International, however, has expressed concerns over the collection of personal data, arguing that it is unnecessary and infringes on people's constitutional rights to privacy.
According to Oguna, the information collected will be held securely by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and used for planning purposes only.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has also issued a directive for bars and entertainment joints to be closed by 5pm to allow Kenyans to be home on time for the counting, but the Civil Society Reference Group has criticized the directive, saying it infringes on people's constitutional rights.
The census, which kicked off on August 24, is set to continue until August 31.
