This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
Kenya's national population and housing census, which began on August 24, 2019, has been marred by allegations of misconduct among some enumerators. In a move to address these concerns, the government has arrested 13 enumerators in Wajir County for unprofessional conduct.
According to retired Colonel Cyrus Oguna, a government spokesperson, stern action will be taken against those found to have compromised the integrity of the census. The government has assured Kenyans that the exercise will proceed smoothly despite a few challenges.
As of August 29, 2019, 13 administrators from Wajir County had already been arrested for engaging in malpractices, and 18 gadgets were reported missing since the exercise kicked off. Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Director McDonald Obudho emphasized the importance of all Kenyans participating in the exercise.
Senior government officials, including Defense Cabinet Secretary Rachael Omamo and Public Service and Youth Chief Administrative Secretary Rachael Shebesh, have been crisscrossing the country to monitor the progress of the census. The exercise is set to conclude on August 31, 2019.
