This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Enumerators who worked on the 2019 census in Tharaka Nithi and Meru Counties are seeking tax exemption on their earnings, citing the meager pay and risks involved in the job.
According to the enumerators, who are mostly young people in colleges and unemployed graduates, the earnings were so low compared to the task they undertook, making it prudent for the government to grant them tax exemption.
Harrison Muthamia, an enumerator from Kathatene in Meru County, said the job was demanding and came with numerous risks, including attacks from rude and adamant respondents.
“It was very risky in some instances and one had to use his own wisdom to escape possible attacks from rude and adamant respondents. Some were literally attacked and we are humbly requesting the Jubilee government to be lenient on us,” said Mr Muthamia.
He added that the Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee government had promised to create jobs for the youths and should consider their request so they can be empowered to start up small businesses.
Enumerators also called on the national and county governments to set aside jobs for young people in parastatals and other government entities, citing the large number of youths who turned up for the census job.
“This can be seen by the large number of youths that turned up for the census job. After the exercise many will go back to their hustling life and this is the reason we want some slots set aside for us and not the old people only,” said Mr Gerald Kinyua from Tharaka Nithi County.
