Pokots worry over security

By Isaiah Lucheli

It is barely two months to the national population and housing census. Planning Minister, Wycliffe Oparanya, says all necessary arrangements have been made for the exercise slated for end of next month. But logistical problems are yet to be addressed in Pokot and Turkana. Insecurity and poor road network top the list of concerns.

Government officials have few vehicles to transverse the vast districts. While there is a mad rush in other parts of the country for the posts of enumerators, interest is low in the two districts.

The migration of herdsmen to neighbouring countries in search of pasture also poses a serious challenge.

Local DCs said the Government is aware of the challenges, which are being addressed. The administrators, Mr Joseph Kanyiri (Turkana South), Mr Jeremiah Were (Sigor) and Mr Jack Obuo (Turkana North) said there is no cause for worry.

The DCs said they sent their budgetary proposals to the National Census Steering Committee seeking funding to hire vehicles.

"We have established a census committee in each district comprising a DC, area MP, local authority chairmen, and clergy among other leaders. All the challenges have been raised," said Kanyiri.

He said only locals would be considered for available posts through the Kenya Bureau of Statistics.

Obuo said migration of pastoralists would not interfere with the census because each household has a leader who provides information.

Were says lack of mass media in Pokot Central had made it difficult to publicise the exercise. He said more police have been deployed to beef up security.