Health cabinet secretary, Aden Duale, giving a speech during the Nyota fund disbursment process in Mandera./PCS

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has criticised the handling of the 2019 census results for three North Eastern counties, calling the decision unfair to residents of the region.

Speaking at the Nyota Fund disbursement event at Mandera Stadium, Duale said the census results for Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera were nullified despite full participation by residents.

“Your Excellency, in 2019, like other Kenyans, we were counted during the census. We give birth to many children, and we have many wives. My former boss...decided to cancel the census result for Garissa, Wajir and Mandera,” Duale said.

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The 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census was conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

The government at the time later described the population figures for the three counties as null and void, citing anomalies in the data.

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President William Ruto, Health CS Aden Duale with other government officials arriving at Mandera stadium on Thursday./PCS

The 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census was conducted by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

At the time, the population figures for the three counties were described as null and void, due to what was cited as anomalies in the data.

Duale said the decision unfairly affected the North Eastern region and denied residents equitable allocation of resources linked to population numbers.

He said locals had complied with the law and should not have been penalised.

He added that population figures are critical for distributing national revenue, planning infrastructure, and providing public services such as health and education.

Duale said invalidating the results had significant implications for development planning in the affected counties.

The cancellation sparked national debate, with regional leaders questioning the criteria used to nullify the figures while upholding results from other areas.

Duale’s remarks have intensified discussions on the handling of the census and its political implications, particularly in marginalised regions.

The Nyota Fund event in Mandera brought together local leaders and residents, with Duale assuring them of the government’s commitment to equitable development and fair treatment for all regions