Kenya is yet to conduct national census and the process is already underway. But why is it important for the nation?
Here are 7 reasons why census is important for Kenya according to Kenyaplex;
1. Policy planning
Census is necessary because it serves as a basis for adequate policy planning. The government can conveniently plan itself when it knows and understands the population of its subjects.
2. Fertility and mortality
Fertility involves birth rate while mortality involves death rate. The government is able to dispatch its services to the people after understanding the country's growth rate through fertility and mortality rates data.
3. Reveals composting of a population by age
Through census, the government will be able to know the composition of the country's population by age. That is; children, middle age and the elderly. This information is useful for provision of amenities for different age groups.
4. Dependency ratio
How many people are dependent and how many are independent? This information is used by the government to determine tax relief.
5. Nationality and ethnicity
Kenya is home to over 42 tribes and people from other countries who are currently living here. Through census, the government is able to establish approximate numbers and this is useful for economic and political responsibilities of the government.
6. Migration trends
People are born in different places and live in different places. Through census, the government will be able to know the migration trends in the country.
7. Sex ratio and disabilities
The government will be able to know the ratio of males and females in the country. Intersex persons will also be captured. Additionally, the number of people living with disabilities will also be established. This information will be used by government to balance resources and services to the people.
Census is conducted after every 10 years by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics(KNBS).