This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
As we prepare for the upcoming census, it's hard not to think back to the last one, ten years ago. I remember the enumerator arriving at our home early in the morning, asking to confirm my presence. It was an odd question, but one that has stuck with me.
Fast forward to today, and it's clear that our numbers have increased. The traffic in Nairobi is a testament to this, with masses of people walking in the streets. It's not just the census that tells us this, but our daily experiences.
For me, the census is a reminder of the challenges we face in Kenya. From the dangers of riding motorcycles in our roads to the inconvenience of public transport, it's clear that we need to find ways to beat the traffic. And yet, as I reflect on the census, I'm left wondering what it will really tell us.
Will it be the count that matters, or will it be the political spin that we're really interested in? The truth is, we've seen how censuses have been used in the past to collect information for political campaigns. It's not unique to Kenya, but it's a trend that we need to be aware of.
As Amnesty International Kenya has pointed out, it's not compulsory for people to share their identification numbers, and a census should be anonymous. But will we really see this happen? Or will we just go through the motions, collecting data that will be used to further political agendas?
One thing that I'm keen to see from the census is the number of people living with disabilities and the services that need to be provided. It's a crucial part of the data that our government seems to constantly lack. And yet, it's not just about the numbers - it's about the lives of real people who are affected by these statistics.
As we go through the census process, let's not forget the real issues that we're trying to address. Let's not get caught up in the politics of it all, but instead focus on the facts. It's time for our government to take a hard look at the data and use it to inform policy, rather than just using it to further their own agendas.
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa is executive director of Siasa Place. Twitter: @NerimaW
