Leaders call on community to shun primitive belief as census exercise begin

People in Kisii have been told to shun retrogressive cultural believes as they prepare for the forthcoming census. 

Of particular concern is the belief that it is a taboo to disclose the number of one's children to strangers.

Speaking yesterday in Kisii, Governor James Ongwae asked families to make sure everyone, including children and those in hospital, are counted.

“I urge residents to cooperate with officers who have been tasked to conduct the census scheduled to take place on the night of August 24, 2019," said Mr Ogwae.

Ordered officers

The governor revealed that he has ordered county officers at the ward level to help Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) enumerators in the exercise.

Officials from KNBS, who had accompanied Ongwae, said it is imperative that all Kenyans are counted no matter where they are.

The three officials, James Abuga and Norah Nyamwamu, said a total of 454 supervisors will coordinate the exercise.

“We have trained enough personnel for the exercise. I hope Kenyans will corporate since the census is important for the Government as it makes plans for the country,” said Mr Abuga.

According to the 2009 Population and Housing Census, Kisii County’s population is 1,152,282; about 550,464 males and 601,818 females. In 2017, the population was projected to be 1,362,779, with 650,982 males and 711,797 females.