ASAL counties have accused the national government of a plot to lock them out in the forthcoming national census.
Mandera governor Ali Roba claimed on Thursday the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics ignored the nomadic patterns of the region in the 2009 census, locking half of the population out.
Roba said KNBS should make sure that the nomadic and pastoral way of life for the regions is put as a priority ahead of the August census.
"This census is very important because it is going to determine how revenue will be shared under the County Revenue Allocation plan. They must, therefore, ensure they use the best technology that will not discriminate anyone," Roba said.
"We can confidently say that half of our population was locked out of the 2009 census and following malicious statements by some
politicians from other regions we are likely going to use a
political process to push for our ideas," he added.
The Treasury said it might cost the taxpayer some Sh18.5 billion for the exercise to be conducted in August.
The last census in 2009, recorded a population of 38,610,097 people.
Former Kiambu governor William Kabogo requested President Uhuru Kenyatta to allow the use of biometric system in the census.
He said biometrics will ensure the government acquires reliable data.
KNBS said it will be using mobile phone devices to key in data.
According to KNBS Director General Zachary Mwangi
the United Nations recommended that during the implementation of the 2020 round of census programme, all countries should consider use of mobile technology.
This is also applicable to data collection during mapping and census enumeration so as to improve on the quality of data collected
Zachary said the use of new technology comes along with many benefits including; fastening the census process and reduce the chances of wrong information being written down.
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But Roba in his statement said some politicians seem to be worried by the growing population of the ASAL communities and thus plotting to deploy tactics to lock them out.
Such statements are a clear indication that they are not acting in the spirits of building bridges. All we are saying is that the process should be transparent, fair and inclusive," he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Isiolo Woman Representative Rehema Jaldesa who accused some communities of perceiving themselves more superior.
Jaldesa said it is unfair for politicians to insinuate that ASAL counties have no numbers yet they marry up to four wives.
"Our men are allowed to marry up to four wives. This means where you have two family members we have eight. This census must be allowed to be conducted by the relevant ministry but whatever the outcome we are telling them we are ready and let them bring it on," she said.
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The leaders further took issue with the new formula for revenue allocation.
According to them, the current formula favours some quarters while others are discriminated especially in the marginalised.
"We are therefore asking the Senate to reject the proposal and subject it to public participation," Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi said.
Roba said the current proposal will see Asal counties lose Sh100 billion in the next five years.
"It irritates many leaders when we discuss marginalisation. We cannot propel propaganda that resource allocation through devolution ended marginalisation because it is not a button just to press. This can only be addressed through deliberate resource allocation," Roba said.