Mtu wa Census! Collins Kiprono, enumerator in viral video opens up

The census enumerator who was captured on video playing with children that captured the hearts of many while in the line of duty has finally spoken out.

Collins Kiprono, in the now viral video, was seen jumping up and down with the children as they – in excitement – sang “watu wa census!” after spotting him in the trademark orange reflector jackets given to enumerators during the exercise.

He was also later captured in yet another video enumerating street kids; an act that has melted the hearts of Kenyans online.

Speaking to Citizen Digital on Monday, the 24-year-old opened up about the financial difficulties that have prevented him from completing his undergraduate studies.

Kiprono is a former student at Egerton University where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Science Geography studies last year but has since however been unable to graduate due to a Ksh.60,000 fee balance.

He also added that he opted to sign up for the census job in order to support his sick mother who is presently admitted at Siloam Hospital in Kericho.

“I was actually in hospital with my mother when I heard that a video of me jumping up and down with kids went viral,” said Kiprono.

“She (mother) has been in and out of hospital for the past three months, she had hypertension which led to heart complications. I have been doing many jobs on the side and whatever little I get goes towards her medication.”

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) on Saturday posted a tweet asking for information about him in order to “celebrate” him.

“You showed up put in the work, and put a smile on someone’s face, we celebrate you today. Anyone with information that could help us celebrate this Enumerator Kindly inbox,” tweeted KNBS.

Kiprono, who is also a former street kid, confirmed that the government agency has since contacted him through the census supervisor of the area he was dispatched to and his details forwarded to the main office in Nairobi.

You showed up put in the work, and put a smile on someone's face, we celebrate you today. Anyone with information that could help us celebrate this Enumerator Kindly inbox. Thank you!#JitokezeUhesabike #KenyaCensus2019 pic.twitter.com/d6pIO2WfWD

— KNBStats (@KNBStats) August 31, 2019

This is Collins Kiprono, enumerating the street boys in Kericho. pic.twitter.com/SUxsUZBWke

— Esther Lelei (@LeleiEsther) August 31, 2019