Census controversies a global phenomena

Though censuses are supposed to capture vital characteristics of a country’s population, they often become enmeshed in socio-political controversies.

The situation arises from concerns about the propriety of questions in the questionnaire, accuracy of the count, and the use to which the data are put.

The Government should sensitise the public on the importance of the exercise to win their trust.

The tribe question has proved to be a sticky one. This has elicited passions with some people proposing its withdrawal.

The Government should be clear on what use it intends to put such data to dispel scepticism about this event.

Census controversies are not confined to Kenya. In the United States, questions about one’s religion were struck out as it was considered a violation of the right to freedom of religion and an invasion of one’s privacy.

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One fear regarding census information is the danger of it falling into wrong hands. Historically, some political regimes used census data to accomplish their evil motives.

For instance, Nazi forces in the Netherlands used the country’s census records and population registration data to identify Jews for detention and extermination.

Back home, ghastly scenes of post-election violence, which took an ethnic bearing, are still raw in our minds.

Kenyans may be forgiven for feeling uncomfortable about revealing their tribal identities. Such fears could undermine the legitimacy of the census process.

The Government must be clear on why it is important to know the number of Taita, Kuria or El Molo.

Regarding the accuracy of the count, elaborate procedures should be put in place to correct errors. Errors undermine the credibility of any census.

The following questions must be addressed:

How reliable will responses from people with past criminal record be?

What about those who do not wish to reveal their economic and social status?

And those who reside in the country illegally?

Will there be penalties for those who refuse to co-operate or is the exercise voluntary?

The integrity of census data should be guaranteed.

Censuses require public understanding, support, and co-operation to be successful.

{Terewa Buhere,Kakamega}