This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
Kenya's national population and housing census, which began on August 24, 2019, has been hailed as a crucial exercise for government planning and policy decisions. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has urged Kenyans to participate in the census, emphasizing that it is their constitutional right.
Speaking in his home after being counted, Atwoli castigated leaders who are inciting Kenyans against the process, labeling them as enemies of development. He noted that the census is essential for long-term planning on shared resources.
Meanwhile, a section of leaders from Isiolo County have called for an extension of the census exercise, citing limited resources and personnel that have left some people unreached. Led by former Isiolo County assembly speaker Mohamed Tupi, the leaders expressed concerns that the current pace of the census may not be sufficient to enumerate all residents.
In Taita Taveta County, locals have lamented that improved family planning in the region has reduced their numbers, which they believe will significantly affect resource allocation when the government begins to do so.
