Smart gadgets will be used in the collection and almost real-time dispatch of data during the August 24 National Census.
The Enumerators will use smartphones to collect household data and transmit it immediately they are through with a household, except where the telephone network may be shaky.
The adoption of information technology in data collection and collation means the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) may be able to announce the results of the census much earlier than was the tradition when hard copy recording was used.
The Embu County Census Co-ordinator, Collins Kamire in a brief to the newly launched County Census Committee said an army of some 135,000 enumerators, 27,000 content supervisors and 2,700 information technology supervisors will be deployed to ensure the result of the census is accurate and reliable.
Those wishing to serve in the positions will be expected to apply through their respective assistant chiefs.
Launching the County Census Committee, Embu County Commissioner (CC), Abdullahi Galgallo reminded the newly launched committee that theirs was a noble responsibility of ensuring the county returned an accurate number of its people. The Embu West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Ms Carolyne Imaya represented the county commissioner during the launch.
He said the country required accurate data for proper planning and to ensure equity in the distribution of national resources.
He said the census will officially kick off on the night of August 24/25 but will continue up to August 31.
During the seven days of data collection, wananchi will be expected to truthfully answer questions on population
characteristics such as age, sex, marital status, births and deaths as well as migration.
They will also be expected to provide information on agriculture, state of housing, sanitation, energy used and household assets.
By Steve Gatheru
