Month: August 2019

Thank you fellow Kenyans, for your continued cooperation and participation in the Big Count.

The progress so far is encouraging, and we are confident that the Count will have registered universal coverage by Saturday, 31st August 2019.

We are now on the home stretch. We still have three more days left
– the rest of today, tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday. This translates to 72 hrs count down for today.

We appreciate our enumerators, who have been on their feet for hours each day to count us. They are on their way to you.

Call back card
There are many of us who live alone, and spend long periods away from their homes.

For such populations, enumerators will leave Call Back Card on which they will write their phone numbers and other relevant information and slip it under the door.

Please use this card to book an appointment with the enumerator for them to come to you when you are available.

Security
Security agencies continue to maintain law and order across the country for the duration of the Census, and beyond.

So far, a number of people who have run afoul of the law have been apprehended and arraigned in court.

Kenyans are urged to be vigilant and report any cases of criminal activity to the Census Toll Free Hotline:0800221020

The regular police emergency lines can also be used: 999; 112; 911

Cooperation with Enumerators
We once gain thank Kenyans for receiving the Census enumerators and for taking the time to respond to their questions. This has enabled the process to go on smoothly.

However, there have been reports of cases where heads of households have been hostile to enumerators or refused to be counted.

This is an offence, and contrary to the provisions of the Statistics Act, 2016. If convicted, the law provides for a jail term of six months or a fine of Kshs.500,000 or both.

Census extension
We have received enquiries as to whether the enumeration period will be extended.

In our case, the census period has been seven days with the night of 24/25 August as the reference night. This is ample time for the exercise to be adequately implemented.

In addition, the date for opening of schools was pushed back by one week in order to ensure that teachers and students would be at home for the count.

There will be no extension.

Extraneous allowances
All village elders, chiefs and sub-chiefs including administrative officials who participated in the census exercise will be facilitated.

USES OF THE CENSUS DATA 
Kenya is one of the few African countries that have held censuses every ten years since independence. In this area, Kenya is also unique in that the census is fully financed through taxpayers’ money, which underscores the importance that the Government accords this national exercise. Let me take this opportunity to share with you some of the uses that will be made of the data being collected through the census.

By Government
For the Government, census data is the most crucial ingredient for facilitating evidence-based planning processes. Given that the data is being collected from the lowest administrative level, it will help the country to ensure that non one is left behind as we progress in the middle income status in line with Vision 2030, the Big Four Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Another critical use of the data is in guiding the Government on the location of important public amenities. Planners will use the information on the number of people to forecast the demand for among others, schools, hospitals and administrative offices for the next ten years.

By businesses
One of the census questions on ICTs focuses on online transactions. This information will provide insights about the potential for e-
commerce in the country. The very high penetration of mobile phones in Kenya presents a huge opportunity for e-commerce.

Census information will also help in determining location of premises, social amenities, establishing the demand for goods and services as well as determining availability of human resources.

By Research and academic institutions
The data will provide research and academic institutions with an up- to-date reference point for interpretation of Kenya’s demographic reality.

By civil society
The civil -society sector will find the data critical for the design and implementation of social programmes.

For international relations
In the community of nations, countries know each other based on national data, particularly population. Kenya will stand tall and proud because it will not only be the most comprehensively done survey in the country’s history, it will also be the first paperless census for which the enumeration process will be fully digitised.

Ends…

Fellow Kenyans, thank you for your participation on the Day One of the Big Count. The first day of the census exercise was largely successful. We are encouraged by the progress and can confirm that exercise went on smoothly. The enthusiasm and eagerness to be counted was profound.

We thank business owners for heeding the Government’s call to close their business premises at 5pm. Your support and cooperation in general has contributed to the success this far.

We also wish to thank the media for the extensive coverage, updates and analyses of the enumeration process. The human interest stories and other anecdotes have put life into the Census.

Enumeration Process Progress

Many Kenyans have already been counted since the start of the exercise yesterday the 24th August, 2019. However, we are also aware that not all individual households and individual Kenyans would have been counted by end of Day One yesterday.

For those who have not been visited by the enumerators, there is no cause to panic. The enumeration process continues till 31st August, 2019. If by that date one is still not counted, you are advised to contact the toll free line or the local chief who will contact the census team for you to be enumerated.

We request that the number written by the officials on the door or any other visible place on the structure of the house to indicate that counting has been conducted SHOULD NOT BE ERASED.

This number is useful to guide Content Supervisors who will be making repeat visits to sampled households to validate the data collected.

Identification of Enumerators

For ease of identification, all enumerators, content supervisors and ICT supervisors are wearing yellow, orange and red luminous jackets. In addition, they have cards that contain details such as their name and ID card numbers.

Enumeration Period

Enumeration began at 6.00am today, and will continue into the night, for as long as security agencies, in collaboration with County Commissioners determine.

From tomorrow, Monday 26th August, enumeration will begin at 6.00am and end at 10.00pm.

Security

Adequate security measures are in place. The Government has deployed more than 100,000 security personnel to maintain law and order during the Census period. The Inspector General of Police, Mr Hillary Mutyambai, last night, visited various estates in Nairobi to monitor first hand security arrangements within such estates. Special attention has been given to insecurity prone areas and we assure you that, this is one of the safest periods in our country.

Data Transmission

As you are already aware, electronic devices are being used to capture census data. Data transmission is continuing smoothly. There are areas where due to network challenges, there are delays in the submission of data. We assure the public that the data is secure in the mobile devises and data is automatically transmitted once in an area where there is network connectivity.

The Census Questions

Questions in the census questionnaire fall into various categories including location, personal details, information regarding persons with difficulties doing activities of daily

life, Education, employment and labour, ICT usage, housing conditions and amenities, household assets, agriculture, livestock and aquaculture. Among other details.

After the enumeration, the officials will write a number on the door or any visible place on the structure of the house to indicate that counting has been conducted in that household. PLEASE DO NOT ERASE THE NUMBER.

Enumeration of Special Population

 Information for all those in hotels, travellers, street families and those on transit was captured electronically using a short questionnaire. The road blocks that had been mounted country wide were meant to ensure that all those travelling were counted. This enumeration of the special population was to be carried out on the night of 24th August 2019 only. The exercise was successfully carried out and has been concluded.

Closure of Bars and Entertainment Spots

We wish to thank bar and casino owners, and even other business enterprises for heeding the call to close their businesses by at 5.00pm on Saturday. We appeal to them to close them again today Sunday 25th August, 2019 at 5pm.

All other businesses will continue to operate normally. However, employers are once again urged to allow their staff members to leave early for the census.

Census Call Centre

The Call Centre will remain operational for 24 hrs everyday till the end of the census on 31st August, 2019. Kenyans are encouraged to utilize this facility for ease of assistance during the census period. The hotline Toll free number is: 0800-221-020.

At the same time, all other emergency police numbers are also available and working including 999, 112 and 911.

The Census Exercise

The Government wishes to clarify that this census exercise is purely a statistical process. The information provided will be only used for planning and policy making. Political leaders are therefore requested not to politicize the process.

The KNBS is legally bound to strict confidentiality requirements. By law, the KNBS cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone. All Kenyans are encouraged to continue welcoming the census teams to their households and provide them with accurate information.

Accreditation of Census Monitors and Observers

In line with international best practice, the Census will have local and international monitors and observers.

Cards for their accreditation are available at County Commissioner’s offices across the country.

Conclusion

We continue to receive calls from all over the country as people look forward to when they will be counted. You will be counted, be patient as the enumerators continue with the exercise for the next 6 days.

Once again, I wish to urge all Kenyans to provide correct and accurate information to the enumerators so that the Government can effectively plan for sustainable development and provision of quality services. This is for the benefit of us all. Jitokeze uhesabike.

ENDS.

The Government wishes to inform the general public that preparation for the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census (KPHC) has been concluded. This includes the successful listing exercise to familiarize with the areas of enumeration and households. The enumerators, content supervisors, ICT supervisors and all other key personnel regarding this exercise are already on the ground. Additionally, relevant census logistics are in place in respective counties and sub-counties in readiness for the 24^th August, 2019 when the exercise kicks off at 6pm.

Security

Concerns have been raised by the public regarding their security during the census period. As a Government, we wish to assure Kenyans that elaborate security arrangement has been put in place. The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with other security agencies, county commissioners, regional commissioners, chiefs, sub-chiefs and village elders have all been mobilized to ensure that the census exercise is conducted smoothly.

Electronic Data Capture

This census will be different from the previous ones. Unlike similar exercises of the past, the enumerators will no longer be moving around carrying along very bulky sheets of questionnaire. All data will be captured digitally through a tablet computer. This method enhances security of data and guarantees speed of data processing and analysis.

The devices are designed specifically for this exercise and cannot be used for any other purpose. Safety and security features have been incorporated for maximum fidelity of data.

Individuals in hotels, will however fill a short questionnaire to safeguard their privacy.  This information will be subsequently captured electronically within the premises of the hotels.  Information for all those in hotels, travellers and street families will be captured using a short questionnaire and this strictly be done on the 24^th August 2019 only.

Like any other digital devise, they may develop technical problems. It is the anticipation of such eventualities that technical teams have been deployed within easy reach to promptly address them.

The Big Count

The Big Count starts today the 24^th August 2019 at 6pm. The counting shall continue until 31^st August 2019. After the night of 24^th/25^th August, 2019, people will be counted with reference to where they were on the night of 24^th/25^thAugust, 2019. This then becomes the Reference Night.

 Enumeration Process and Personnel

An enumerator shall be accompanied by a police officer, chief, or sub-chief, a village elder or chairpersons of estate associations. All enumerators, content supervisors and ICT supervisors will wear yellow, orange and red luminous jackets. They shall in addition have with them identity cards that will contain details such as names of enumerators and their ID card numbers.

The enumeration activity comprises a short interview of the head of the household, and should any need arise, other members of the household may be asked to fill in certain gaps. The entire enumeration process should take an average of 30 minutes.

After the enumeration, the officials will write a number on the door or any visible place on the structure of the house to indicate that counting has been conducted in that household. PLEASE DO NOT ERASE THE NUMBER.

Data Confidentiality

Census data is strictly confidential. All information collected shall not be subjected to any use other than for statistical purposes.

Closure of Bars and Entertainment Spots

Bars, casinos, discos will close at 5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday. In regions where Disco matangas are part of certain ceremonies, such discos must end by 5pm.  This is to allow Kenyans to go back home early for the census exercise.

All other businesses will continue to operate normally. However, employers are urged to allow their staff members, when possible, to leave early for the census.

Census Call Centre

 A Call Centre has been set up for reporting of any emerging issues in the field, monitoring of the process and enquiries. The hotline Toll free number is:      0800-221-020.

The Call Centre will remain open for 24 hrs for the entire duration of the census process from 24^th-31^st August 2019. The facility is to ensure that the census process proceeds smoothly and that Kenyans are able to be attended to promptly during the census period.

Huduma Number Vs Census

Huduma number and Census processes complement each other.  However, each serves a different purpose. While Huduma Namba is the single source of truth of individual identity, Census is more broad and entails compilation of diverse socio-economic and demographic data for planning purposes by Government. Additionally, Huduma number is a continuous activity to register people while Census is a periodic count of people.  Therefore, one cannot replace the other.

Identity Card Number/Passport Number

Kenyans will be asked to give their ID or passport numbers. This is to establish the number of those who have actually acquired these documents. This is only for planning purposes.

Kenyans should thus not panic regarding this matter of ID cards because during the time of data analysis, personal identity shall be removed from the data to achieve anonymity.

 Census Personnel Remuneration

Based on the terms of the contract, the money set aside to pay the enumerators has been disbursed to all the Counties, and payments are being made. Areas where delays have been experienced have mainly been occasioned by verification of account details of the enumerators. This has since been sorted out.

Conclusion

Census is a very important process in the pursuit of sustainable development and provision of quality services. As the Government, we are calling upon every Kenyan ‘Ajitokeze ahesabike’. Avail yourselves, cooperate and provide accurate information to enable the Government to plan for you better.

ENDS

What’s a population census?

A population census is the process of counting all people in a country at a specified time. The process of capturing census information is referred to as enumeration. Census is the total process of collecting, compiling, evaluating, analysing, and publishing demographic, social, and/or economic data at a specified time, pertaining to all persons in a country or a well-defined part of a country.

Who will be counted during the Census?

All persons who will be within the borders of Kenya on the census night will be counted. This will include persons found in the households, outdoor sleepers, persons on transit, individuals in hotels and lodges, and institutions such as hospitals, prisons and army barracks among others.

How will the Census data be captured?

For the first time, all the data required for the Census will be captured electronically through a tablet computer. The questions are being loaded on to the gadget and the whole enumeration process will therefore be paperless. This guarantees that the data will be captured faster than has been the case during previous censuses. It also ensures that the data will be more secure and that the census results will be available sooner than was previously possible.

Is there confidentiality of the census data?

Yes. Census data is strictly confidential. All information collected is strictly for use by census officials. All census officials will swear an “Oath of Secrecy” as embodied in the Statistics Act 2006. The Oath forbids census officials from divulging the information collected to unauthorized persons. The Bureau has adhered to international guidelines which advocate for the values of professionalism, transparency, accountability and integrity required of statistical systems in maintaining credibility and public confidence.

What will show that a household has been enumerated?

After enumeration, the officials will write a number on the door or at any visible place on the structure to indicate that counting has been conducted in the household. PLEASE DO NOT ERASE THE NUMBER. In the event that there is no structure, a structure numbering card will be issued to the household after enumeration.

How is the census data used for planning?

The census is the primary source of reliable and detailed data on the size, distribution and composition of the population in the country at a specified time. The information collected when analysed gives an accurate picture of how many people are living in the country, the distribution across every administrative level and their living conditions as well as access to basic services. This will inform planners on policy formulation and targeting of development plans.

At what time of the day will the census officer call at the household?

Counting of people will start on the night of 24th August 2019 and continue up to the 31st August 2019 when counting is scheduled to end. People will be counted with reference to where they spent the night of 24th/25th August 2019. This is referred to as the Census Reference Night.

How long will it take to complete an interview for a household?

It is expected that enumerators will spend about 30 minutes in each house, though this may be shorter or longer depending on the size of the household.

What happens if one is not counted on the night of 24th/25th August 2019?

It may not be possible to reach everyone everywhere on the night of 24th August 2019.  The Census teams will proceed with enumeration throughout the week, but all information will be provided with reference to the night of 24th August – the Census Reference Night. Those not enumerated by 31st August 2019, should report to the local administrative office. However, care must be taken to ensure that you have indeed not been enumerated. It is not uncommon for members who are momentarily away from their households to be enumerated in absentia.

Will Kenyans in the diaspora be counted?

No. Kenyans in the diaspora will not be counted. However, household members will be asked some questions about members of their households who migrated to other countries in the last 15 years.

When will the results be released?

It is expected that preliminary results will be released three months after the end of the exercise. The basic reports of the census are expected to be released within six months, while the detailed analytical reports will be released within one year after the census enumeration.

Will data on ethnic composition be collected?

Yes, information on tribe or ethnicity and nationality will be collected due to its statistical and cultural value. Ethnic origin data paint a picture of Kenya’s cultural diversity and provide insight into the changing in-migration patterns and increasing diversity. Governments, community groups, ethnic and cultural organisations, school boards, hospitals, and researchers use ethnicity data to assess the socio-economic characteristics of people of differing backgrounds.

All previous censuses conducted in Kenya have collected data on ethnicity, reflecting a long-standing and continuing widespread demand for information about ethno-cultural characteristics of the Kenyan population.

What safeguards against data manipulation have been put in place?

Several quality assurance measures are in place to ensure complete and accurate information is collected. Experts and key stakeholders from various institutions will train the field personnel and oversee the actual enumeration. Qualified and well-trained ICT and Content Supervisors will control quality at the field level, while census committees will oversee the exercise nationally. Additionally, an independent team of experts in census-taking is expected to monitor the exercise nationally. Structures are in place to ensure secure transmission of data and adherence to the oath of secrecy and professionalism by census personnel.

What are the security arrangements?

The security agencies are fully involved and are part of the national and county census committees. Enumerators will have official identity cards and reflector jackets for ease of identification. They have been recruited from where they live and are therefore, known to the locals. Enumerators will also be accompanied by village elders, leaders of residence associations and in certain cases, assistant chiefs who are well known by the heads of households.

Whom do I contact in case my household is not covered?

In case your household will not have been contacted by 31 August, a toll-free number will be provided for you to contact KNBS to send an enumerator to enumerate your household.

If I have visitors on the night of the 24th/25th August, should they be counted as part of my household?

Anyone who will be present in your household on the night of 24th/25th August 2019 will be counted together with your household. Everyone will be counted depending on where they will be on the night of 24th/25th August 2019. However, there will be exceptional cases, for example, those who will be on duty working such as nurses on that night will be counted with the household that they will return to the following day after work.

What are the key questions that will be asked during the census enumeration?

The key questions that will be asked include: age, sex, marital status, births, deaths, migration, forms and severity of difficulties in performing of daily life activities, educational attainment, labour force particulars, access and ownership of ICT equipment and services, crop farming, livestock and aquaculture, housing characteristics, and ownership of assets.