This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
Kenya's census, which kicked off on August 24, 2019, has seen its working hours extended in major towns to facilitate a more comprehensive count.
According to Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, the hours have been extended from 6pm-6am to 6am-10pm in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu, in response to reports of Kenyans being concerned about the pace of the exercise.
Other towns where working hours have been extended include Eldoret, Nyeri, Kiambu, Thika, Machakos, Kakamega, and Kisii.
The census has also been marred by attacks on officials in certain areas.
Dr. Kibicho acknowledged the improved pace of the census on its second day and stated, 'We are, therefore, extending census working hours from 6.00am-10.00pm to capture as many people as possible.'
The census, which is the sixth since Kenya's Independence and the eighth since the first in 1948, is being conducted using tablets installed with a tracking software, questionnaires, and area maps.
It is worth noting that all persons who will be within Kenya's borders on census night (August 24/25) will be counted, including those found at home, travellers, individuals in hotels and lodges, and institutions such as hospitals and prisons.
The count is expected to continue up to August 31 at a cost of Sh18.5 billion, with temporary staff being paid Sh4 billion, an increase of Sh10 billion from the last census conducted in 2009.
The survey is being conducted with 170,000 enumerators, 27,000 supervisors, and 2,700 ICT supervisors.
Preliminary results for this census are expected to be ready in November, while the detailed data will be released by February.
