Government is ready for credible 2019 Population and Housing Census, Yatani

National Treasury and Planning Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ambassador Ukur Yatani has said the government is committed to deliver a credible 2019 census.
The CS said that all the necessary personnel for the census exercise have been recruited, trained and deployed as well as materials and equipment delivered to the various counties and sub- counties in readiness for the census day.
Speaking during the official launch of the countdown to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing census by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) held at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) on Friday, Ambassador Yatani stated that this launch marked the end of a long process that started in 2016 with the cartographic mapping exercise that established 129,123 listing areas each with an average of 100 households.
“A pilot census was carried out in August 2018 designed to test adequacy of the various aspects including logistics, personnel, accuracy of the maps and administration of questionnaires as well as other data capture applications,” said the CS.
CS Yatani further said that his Ministry has complied with United Nation (UN) recommendations to ensure accuracy, reliability and compressibility of the data which includes timely processing of results.
“Adequate measures have been instituted by adopting use of electronic devices for the first time,” added the CS.
Ambassador Yatani acknowledged the immense contribution of the National Steering and County Census committees for stewardship during the long period of preparation which has put them on a successful delivery trajectory.
The CS further assured that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with all partners and all relevant government agencies for smooth management and delivery of a credible census.
KNBS chairman Mr. Peter Kiguta said that the Board is ready to carry out a credible census through the government’s support maintaining close relationships with concerned ministries.
The enumeration exercise will commence on the night of August 24/25, 2019 and will continue for seven days until August 31, 2019 to ensure everyone is given an opportunity to be counted.
The ministry has committed to scale up publicity and advocacy campaigns to ensure requisite information regarding the count for the remaining days.
By Mercy Shirim/Nancy Marende