Government threatens to exhume bodies buried without permits

What you need to know:

  • Eastern region Coordinator in charge of births and deaths, Patrick Ingutia said most women in Asal counties give birth at home due to lack of health facilities hence do not register their children.
  • The Coordinator who spoke during a workshop to sensitize chiefs and other stakeholders on civil registration in Isiolo, said the vital exercise enables the government to plan for the future.

Counties in arid and semi-arid regions have been put on the spot about poor births and deaths registration.

The poor recording of births and deaths in the regions has been attributed to cultural practices, vastness of the areas and high illiteracy levels.

Eastern region Coordinator in charge of births and deaths, Patrick Ingutia said most women in Asal counties give birth at home due to lack of health facilities hence do not register their children.

Garrisa, Mandera, Wajir, Turkana and Isiolo are the most hit counties.

In Isiolo, only 58 and 38 per cent of people registered with the government last year for births and deaths respectively.

Mr Ingutia further added that only 60pc of people have registered during birth in the country adding that Central Kenya counties had 90pc registration.

The Coordinator who spoke during a workshop to sensitize chiefs and other stakeholders on civil registration in Isiolo, said the vital exercise enables the government to plan for the future.

“The forum follows the low number of registration in the northern Kenya counties. We are here to sensitize and enhance the importance of the exercise,” said Mr Ingutia.

He added that chiefs and their assistants do not get information on the same from mothers who give birth at home.

Garba Tulla Sub County deputy commissioner Kipchumba Rutto said under registration was derailing government’s efforts to collect data.

The administrator also added that Oldonyiro and GarbaTulla areas were most affected in Isiolo County claiming that chiefs had not filed any records.

The DCC warned that the government will not hesitate to exhume bodies buried without burial permits adding that a disciplinary action will be taken against administrators in case any burial takes place within their jurisdictions without registration.