Census mandatory, says statistician

By JESHER TILTO
THE 2024 National Population Census is a mandatory exercise that requires the participation of every person in the country, National Statistician John Igitoi says.
“Everyone must participate in this census as this information is important for the development of the country,” he said.
“If you are counted, you will be in the development picture.
“The census shows how many people are in a particular location and what services are needed there.
“It will help the Government with their development plans and distribution of resources for building schools, clinics, roads, and water supply to those areas that need it the most.” Igitoi said there is a big difference between the census and the common roll update which many are confused about.
“The common roll update is for those that are 18 years old and above for the purpose of elections.
“The election is a democratic right of everyone, whether they cast their vote or they don’t, it is up to them.
“As for the national population census, we count from a day-old baby to a person that may die after we enumerate, and we record all this where they live to make sure each house is counted.
“The census it is a mandatory requirement that we must go to every location, every house where the people live and we count every person.” He added that there were certain challenges that needed to be addressed for this year’s census.
“There are many challenges because we are trying to count every person in the entire country.
“The landscape of the country, the willingness of the people to participate, the limited resources and funding that we have at hand are some of the limitations we have but the onus lies with us.
“We have to make sure that the funding allocated for us is effectively utilised and managed properly.
“We have also communicated with our key stakeholders and asked for them to commit some of their resources because this is about every one of us,” he said.