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People with albinism (PWA) have urged the government to use data obtained during the national census to initiate programmes that empower the fraternity.

Addressing the press Friday, Albinism Society of Kenya chair Senator Isaac Mwaura asked the State to ensure factual and reliable data of the group is captured during the two-day enumeration exercise.

“We want the government to include various categories of albinism in the data collection exercise to help people with albinism who might not be aware of their conditions, correctly identify it,” he said.

Mwaura said there is no elaborate data for persons with the condition making it hard for the government to tailor-make development programmes for the group.

Mwaura urged those with the condition to volunteer all information during the census, which is slated for Saturday 24 and Sunday 25.

“We call upon persons with albinism from all categories to come out and volunteer information to census enumerators. Census enumerators should also not shy away from asking questions due to terminologies,” he said.

Persons with albinism in the country continue to suffer from stigma and discrimination particularly in the education system where they are often mocked for their appearance while their low vision remains unaccommodated by the system.