This archive report was first published on 10 November 2019.
Published on November 10, 2019, the first set of analyses from the national census sparked widespread reactions across the country. While some politicians celebrated an increase in their numbers, others cried foul, alleging they were 'under-counted' for malicious reasons.
Threats of legal action and demands for 'raw data' to verify the accuracy of the count have been made by some politicians. However, a closer examination of the reactions reveals a deeper issue - our national obsession with ethnicity.
Commentators have been quick to tease out ethnic compositions and their political implications from the census data. We are being told that certain groups have made significant gains, while others have lost and face defeat in the forthcoming elections.
This fixation on ethnopolitics is not only misguided but also has serious consequences. By prioritizing ethnic numbers over accurate population data, we risk depriving densely populated areas of essential social services.
Furthermore, the designation of political areas based on fake numbers will lead to complaints of low voter registration and turnout during elections. It is clear that Kenyans have difficulty learning from past experience.
As we move forward, it is essential that we shift our focus beyond tribal numbers and start thinking about the things that truly matter - the well-being and development of our communities.
Prof Luka Atwoli is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Moi University School of Medicine.
