Census debate reveals misplaced priorities

Census debate reveals misplaced priorities.

It is always a good idea to trust but verify. Therefore, we should be open about debate regarding the census figures released this week by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). As of this year, Kenya has a population of 47.6 million, up from 38.6 million in 2009. The gist of the census results is that we are not at 50 million yet. The other major implication of the results is that the 2009 count was bungled, with an over count very likely. Of course, we already knew that some parts of the country had their numbers padded. But now we have official confirmation of the same.

Kenyan leaders of all stripes were quick to react to the figures. Most of the reaction of the base variety, with old men who should know better lamenting the fact that the census results under-reported the virility of members of their communities. Others pointed fingers at imaginary enemies out to get their communities. There was little discussion about the demographic and policy implications of the census results. Next will come the big political battles over the redistricting of National Assembly constituencies in line with the geographical distribution of our population. And most certainly, the focus will not be about service delivery, but rather how to amass as much political power as possible.