The government is mulling erecting roadblocks on major highways in the country to see the census exercise successful.
The announcement was made by Makueni County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed on Wednesday that blocks shall be mounted along Nairobi-Mombasa highway from August 24 to 25. The move is likely to cause huge traffic snarl up along the highways as officials enumerate travelers and drivers.
“There will be roadblocks that will be placed at Salama, Emali and Mtito-Andei towns so that even truck drivers who do transportation along the highway at night have their details captured together with other travellers,” Mohammed.
Mr. Maalim made the announcement when he was addressing a press conference, and reiterated that in any case, enumerators will stop every vehicle along the highway to conduct the exercise.
On security concerns in Makueni, Mohammed affirmed that police officers will accompany enumerators particularly where human-wildlife conflict is rampant.The areas of concern are Kiboko, Mikululo, Kalembe Raha, Kiu, Kaunguni and Muuni, all in Makindu sub-county.
The government will be conducting a 3-day exercise this month to establish a comprehensive database for the items; Household wealth, Employment status, Livestock owned, Electronics such as TVs, radios and computers, Motor vehicles owned and Internet connection.
This year’s census, however, is expected to cost the taxpayer Sh18.5 billion, compared to the last count which was done in 2009 having cost Sh8.4 billion, indicating 120% increase.
