Implications of Canceling and Indicating Wrong Census

The High Court of Kenya in Garissa recently issued a landmark ruling that annulled the 2019 census results for the counties of Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa.

This decision is a result of recognizing considerable inconsistencies in the census data for these regions, which calls into question the fairness and accuracy of the data.

This ruling has far-reaching implications, as it affects resource allocation and underscores the vital role of precise data in fostering equitable development in Kenya.

National planning and policymaking heavily rely on census data. It is fundamental to the development of strategies for resource allocation, public service creation, and equitable representation at national and county levels.

This information affects a broad spectrum of choices, spanning from infrastructure development to the

distribution of medical care, education, and social services.

In Kenya, where regional socio-economic inequalities are complex and multifaceted, precise census data is crucial for allocating resources according to actual needs rather than assumptions or outdated information.

When census data is inaccurate, as claimed for Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties, it jeopardizes the fundamental principle of fair resource distribution, causing harm to vulnerable communities that are already disadvantaged.

The High Court’s ruling to invalidate the 2019 census results for these counties marks a pivotal point in Kenya’s efforts to promote fairness and transparency in governance.

This ruling gives rise to several immediate concerns for the impacted regions, especially regarding how discrepancies in population figures may have resulted in misallocations of resources and funds.

A considerable part of national resources is allocated by the Kenyan government to counties according to their population size, as determined by the census. Should the population statistics for Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties have been exaggerated or incorrect, these areas could have been allocated resources that were either above or below their actual needs.

This misallocation may lead to insufficient funding for public services in these counties—like education, health care, water provision, and infrastructure development—which could have a direct impact on residents’ quality of life.

The distribution of resources and funding to counties is also connected to political representation. The number of elected representatives in Kenya’s National Assembly and County Assemblies is determined using population data.

An inaccuracy in the census data could result in certain areas being overrepresented or underrepresented, distorting the political process and further entrenching disparities between regions.

For effective planning and service delivery, precise population data is essential. Without trustworthy data, governments—both national and county—struggle to plan effectively for the future.

Due to the miscalculation of demographic data, it is possible that there was either an excess or a lack of essential services like hospitals, schools, and water points. This may have worsened issues such as overcrowding or a shortage of resources.

Aside from the direct effects, the annulment of the census counties carries long-term ramifications for Kenya’s quest for equitable development and social justice.

Kenya exhibits significant regional disparities, with cities like Nairobi and Mombasa benefiting from superior infrastructure and public services compared to the northern and arid regions.

The neglect to consider the actual population in counties has exacerbated these inequalities, robbing these areas of their equitable allocation of resources and services.

Thus, inaccurate census figures sustain cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, especially in marginalized areas.

Population data that is precise is crucial for both planning social services and fostering economic growth. Census data is frequently utilized by investors and businesses to assess market size and potential.

If the census data for these counties is inaccurate, it may result in lost investment opportunities in crucial areas like agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism. Moreover,

data that is not accurate complicates the efforts of these regions to promote the development of

infrastructure customized to their real needs, which subsequently impacts overall economic growth.

Nullifying census results could also undermine the public’s confidence in government.