Enumerators who undertook census in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties have asked the national government to exempt them from taxation during the payment process.
The enumerators said that the amount they will receive after taxation is little for their needs. The team, which comprises of college and unemployed graduates lamented the tax burden.
They noted that what they are bound to receive after being taxed is not commensurate to their work.
The group also said that they had to overcome a series of challenges in ensuring that they concluded the exercise in a perfect manner.
Harrison Muthamia, who worked as an enumerator for Kathatene in Meru County, said that the process was cumbersome and they need more money.
“It was very risky in some instances and one had to use his own wisdom to escape possible attacks from rude and adamant respondents. Some were literally attacked and we are humbly requesting the Jubilee government to be lenient on us,” said Muthamia.
"We are not opposed to paying taxes but we are requesting to be exempted in this one and we shall pay out of our business ventures in future," he added.
They also lamented that the government had promised to create jobs for the youths but not much has been done to secure their future.