In a landmark ruling, the High Court in Garissa recently quashed the 2019 census results for Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties.

This decision stems from the identification of significant discrepancies in the census figures for these regions, raising questions about the accuracy and fairness of the population data.

The implications of this ruling are far-reaching, not only because of the immediate impact on the allocation of resources but also because it highlights the critical importance of accurate data in achieving equitable development in Kenya.

Census data plays a fundamental role in national planning and policy-making.

It serves as the cornerstone for the formulation of development strategies, including determining the allocation of resources, the creation of public services, and ensuring equitable representation at both the national and county levels.

This data influences a wide range of decisions, from infrastructural development to the distribution of health care, education, and social services.

In Kenya, where there is a complex landscape of socio-economic inequalities between regions, accurate census data is essential in ensuring that resources are allocated based on actual needs rather than assumptions or outdated information.

When census data is flawed, as is alleged in the case of Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties, it undermines the very principle of equitable resource distribution, ultimately harming vulnerable communities that are already at a disadvantage.

The court’s decision is a critical moment in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to ensure fairness and transparency in governance.

For the affected regions, this ruling raises several immediate concerns, primarily related to how the discrepancies in the population figures may have led to misallocations of funds and resources.

The Kenyan government allocates a significant portion of national resources to counties based on population size, which is determined by the census.

If the population figures in Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa counties were inflated or inaccurate, these regions may have received either more or fewer resources than they actually required.

This misallocation could result in underfunded public services in these counties, such as education, health, water, and infrastructure development, which could directly affect the quality of life for residents.

The allocation of funds and resources to counties also ties into political representation.

Kenya uses population data to determine the number of elected representatives in the National Assembly and county assemblies.

If the census figures were inaccurate, it could lead to an overrepresentation or underrepresentation of certain regions, skewing the political process and further entrenching regional inequalities.

Accurate population data is crucial for effective planning and the delivery of services. In the absence of reliable data, it becomes difficult for governments at both the national and county levels to plan for the future.

The misreporting of population figures could have led to an oversupply or undersupply of critical services such as schools, hospitals, and water points, exacerbating challenges such as overcrowding or insufficient facilities.

Beyond the immediate consequences, the quashing of the census results has potential long-term implications for Kenya’s pursuit of equitable development and social justice.

Kenya is home to stark regional disparities, with some areas such as Nairobi and Mombasa enjoying better infrastructure and public services than the northern and arid regions.

The failure to account for the true population in counties like Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa may have contributed to deepening these inequalities, depriving these areas of their fair share of resources and services.

Inaccurate census figures, therefore, perpetuate cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, particularly in marginalised regions.

Accurate population data is not only vital for social service planning but also for economic development. Investors and businesses often use census data to determine market size and potential.

If census figures for these counties are incorrect, it could lead to missed opportunities for investment in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism.

Additionally, inaccurate data makes it harder for these regions to advocate for the development of infrastructure that is tailored to their actual needs, which in turn affects overall economic growth.

The quashing of census results also has the potential to erode public trust in government institutions. The census process is meant to be a transparent and reliable exercise, one in which citizens can place confidence.

— The writer is a Communication Consultant