First Nubian Census in Kenya

First Nubian Census in Kenya
Posted on: 2009-Jan-13 : 10:33

A population census is the process of collecting, compiling, evaluating, analyzing and publishing demographic, social and or economic data pertaining to all persons in a country or a well delimited part of a country. On the morning of 14th December 2009, Nubian Community living in Kenya will hold its First Community Population and Housing Census.

The Census has been organized by Nubian Council of Elders. Beledianubi has learnt from close sources that Census process has been funded by Open Society Organization. The Nubian Census has just come 4 months down the line after the National Census by Kenya Government and when Kenya is celebrating its 46th birthday.

Every Nubian Kenya is expected to be counted and those in Diaspora, Hospitals, Prisons and Travelers, Household members will be asked some questions about their relatives living abroad and any absentee members. Counting of people will start on the morning of 14th December 2009 and continue up to 17th December 2009 when counting is scheduled to end. It is expected that enumerators will spend about 20minutes in each house, though this may be shorter or longer depending on the size of the household.

Mr. Issa Abdulfaraj Nubian Council of Elders Chairman emphasized on the importance of Nubian Census saying that the census provides us with a window to our current realities and provides us with the information we require to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. He further lamented, “Information gathered from the census is an integral requirement for the development planning process and management of the affairs of the community. The statistics will tell us of our current status and can be used to provide information on how we can move on where we intend to go”.

A number of quality assurance measures are in place to ensure complete and accurate information is collected. Qualified and well trained Supervisors and Coordinators from every Nubian Village in Kenya will control quality at the field level. Enumerators have been recruited from where they live therefore; they are people who are known by the locals. Enumerators will also be accompanied by village elders or headmen who are well known by the households to help in security.

The census data collected will be widely used in conducting social and economic research. The census is designed to meet various data needs such as:

1. The basis of updating population data bases up to the lowest level of occupation unit.
2. Basis of preparing population projections.
3. Benchmark data for studying the direction and trend of population changes.
4. Access to health and education.
5. Access to water and sanitation
6. Access to Housing and Roads.


Addressing Stakeholders, Supervisors, Coordinators and Journalists during the launch of Nubian Census in Kibra at Makina Mosque library, Nubian Council of Elders secretary Mr. Diab called for cooperation among all Nubian leaders and organizations and said more than ever, it is important that the community stood up as one entity to ensure that the indisputable right of Nubians are protected and safeguarded

source http://www.beledianubi.com/?page=correspondence&type=news&id=2