Traffic snarl up expected on Nairobi-Mombasa highway as travellers to be included in census

The government has announced plans to erect roadblocks on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway from August 24 to 25 for the census exercise.

This means that travellers should expect huge traffic snarl-ups as officials enumerate travellers and drivers.

“There will be roadblocks that will be placed at Salama, Emali and Mtito-Andei towns so that even truck drivers who do transportation along the highway at night have their details captured together with other travellers,” Makueni County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed said.

Speaking during a press conference,  the Makueni County boss said enumerators will stop every vehicle along the highway.

On security concerns in Makueni, Mohammed affirmed that police officers will accompany enumerators particularly where human-wildlife conflict is rampant.

The areas of concern are Kiboko, Mikululo, Kalembe Raha, Kiu, Kaunguni and Muuni, all in Makindu sub-county.

Others are Kikunduku, Nthongoni, Kathekani, parts of Masongaleni in Kibwezi sub-county and borders of Tsavo East and Chyullu National Parks.

In regard to the census process, the county boss reiterated a directive from Interior CS Fred Matinag’i that bar owners are to ensure their businesses are closed by 6pm.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Makueni has 2,986 enumerators, 496 content supervisors and 54 technical officers.