The Trans Nzoia leaders have asked residents of the county to stay in their houses on the census days for the county to get accurate figures on population and households.
At the same time, the county governor, Patrick Khaemba time asked those doing business in Kitale town and residing out of the county to spend in Kitale on 24th and 25th to be counted in Trans Nzoia.
Khaemba supported the directive by the county commissioner to close bars on the counting night to allow everybody to be counted and asked all residents to co-operate with census officials for the success of the national exercise.
Speaking at the same function, during the launch of municipal charter at the county headquarters on Monday, the Trans Nzoia West Deputy County Commissioner (CC), Khalif Abudullahi asked residents to be at home on the census night.
“We have 7 days to do the census. Those who will not be in their homes and county on the actual dates of 24th and 25th can be counted on these other days,” he said.
The DCC told residents that plans to carry out population and household census is at an advanced stage.
“We have already finished training of the census officials and we are ready for the exercise,” he said.
According to Khalif, security has been beefed up and residents should participate in the exercise without fear of criminal activities.
He said that night patrols have been enhanced ahead of the census exercise and asked residents to co-operate and ensure they are counted for the benefit of the county.
“It is in the public interest that all bars should be closed and we are asking proprietors to close bar businesses to allow themselves and their customers to be counted,” he said.
Khaemba reminded residents that resource allocation depended on population figures and thus the need to be counted.
However, the governor raised concern over increasing number of people and said he had appointed a task force that will look at reasons for the sudden increase.
“There are so many people in this town, I have appointed a task force to bring a report on why there is increase in population of people during the day,” he said.
He asked for co-operation among elected leaders, adding that unity will foster service delivery and development for the people of Trans Nzoia.
By Pauline Ikanda
