This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
On the first day of the 2019 census exercise, a house gate enumerator took details from a family in Homa Bay County. However, another enumerator was not as diligent. He was sacked for absconding duty, returning to his boda boda business instead.
According to Suba Deputy County Commissioner Kamau Maina, the enumerator covered only four households on Saturday night and went home to sleep. On Sunday morning, he served only one household. His contract was terminated that evening.
Mr Maina noted that the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics realised that the enumerator's gadget was idle for more than the expected duration, yet the enumerator had not complained.
Additionally, in Nakuru, a middle-aged woman was charged with selling alcohol during census night against the order by Interior CS Fred Matiang'i. Margret Wanjiru was allegedly found selling alcoholic drinks on August 25, 2019, at Ahero Centre in Bahati, Nakuru County.
She denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Usui.
Furthermore, in Juja, a woman was arrested for refusing to participate in the census. The suspect is being held at Juja Police Station. According to police reports, the woman, a resident of Joyland estate, refused to participate in the exercise and used vulgar language against census officials.
Lastly, in Migingo Island, residents are being enumerated even as controversy over ownership of the island remains. Chief Administrative Secretary Chris Obure confirmed enumerators were on the island conducting the count.
