Rotich assured that the system is secure as it has inbuilt checks, correction of inconsistent responses and cross‐validation with other records.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 23 – Kenya has turned to the use of technology in conducting the 2019 census scheduled for August in a bid to improve data quality.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich says the country has turned to a paperless exercise that will see enumerators use mobile devices which will have data collection applications that will transmit the data to a central server.
Rotich assured that the system is secure as it has inbuilt checks, correction of inconsistent responses and cross‐validation with other records.
He says the use of technology will also enable faster release of census data due to rapid transmission of data from the field teams to the data processing centre.
“This Census process has fully embraced modern technology as a best practice to improve on data quality. It is worth noting that the Bureau has been using mobile technology in undertaking surveys and therefore has adequate capacity,” Rotich said on Wednesday.
Over 160,000 devices will be used in this process, with the devices being procured from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Moi University.
This is the first census to be undertaken in the new dispensation of a devolved system of governance.
According to Rotich, the census will provide statistical information on the size, distribution and characteristics of Kenya’s population that will be used to describe and assess the socio-economic and demographic status.
The census will also provide the much-needed comprehensive data at county and lower levels to inform development planning and programming to facilitate delivery of quality services to the citizens.
“This information will be useful in monitoring the progress made towards achieving Vision 2030 and more so the Big 4 agenda. On the global arena, Kenya will be monitoring its progress in achievement of internationally agreed programmes such as Sustainable Development Goals,” noted Julius Muia Principal Secretary Planning.
All persons resident in Kenya will be enumerated in order to provide information for planning for our country.
Preparatory activities for the census commenced three years ago and currently, there are teams in the field undertaking cartographic mapping, used to create Enumeration Areas in readiness for the actual enumeration.
About 38 counties have undergone cartographic mapping, with about 9 counties remaining.
