Two weeks is sufficient: Igitoi

By JESHER TILTO
NATIONAL statistician John Igitoi says two weeks is enough time to successfully complete the 2024 national census.
He said this after concerns were raised about the lack of sufficient time available to conduct the census scheduled for June 17 -30.
“It becomes very costly if we are to extend the counting period for another week or two.
“The census is an expensive exercise and more than 20,000 persons will be involved.
“The tablets, hire cars, logistics and other resources all cost money and the National Statistical Office (NSO) has to distribute all these around the country.
“People are doubting and having a negative mind-set about how this census will be conducted but that will not help.
“Two weeks is sufficient time and we will do mop-up exercises after the census is conducted.”
Igitoi admitted that certain challenges were to follow during the census but was positive it would be conducted successfully.
“There will be a lot of challenges out there during the counting period.
“Funding is one of the many challenges that we have.
“Some people live in very isolated areas that will make it difficult for us to reach them.
“Natural disasters will also affect our operations.
“With less than 60 days left, we need the people to cooperate and understand the purpose of the census,” he said.
Meanwhile, NSO has extended data collectors recruitment due date to next Friday.