The newly appointed Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere made his first official visit to the National Statistical Office (NSO) recently in what was termed as a “meet and greet” where the minister met with the National Statistician Mr. John Igitoi and the top brass of the NSO. Minister Masere thanked the National Statistician and pledged to work together in delivering their services, especially the conduct of the 5th National Census as it is a government priority and must be conducted by the end of this year. The Minister said data and statistics are important units for planning and development and that the 2024 Census must go ahead. Igitoi expressed his gratitude to the Marape/Rosso Government for recognizing NSO and giving a Ministry to it in the current reshuffle whilst congratulating Minister Masere for making his first official visit to NSO after his appointment. He briefly highlighted the key functions of the NSO and stating that the agency has had many challenges but continue to function with what was at hand. “The 2024 Census was on track but has a funding gap of K122m from the 2023 budget appropriation and 2024 NSO Census plan and needs the funding to conduct and complete the 2024 Census.” He also stated that NSO was also a victim of the mayhem that took place last week where their leased warehouse was looted and burnt to the ground which contains census preparatory documents and materials worth over K15 million based at Konedobu. “This will place another significant challenge to procure the same again."