HC Deb 24 June 1925 vol 185 c1540W
Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the system of finger-print records of natives in Kenya Colony applies to the whole male population capable of working or whether it is restricted to certain ages; and how many such records have been taken since the institution of the system?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The Registration of Natives Ordinance in connection with which finger-prints are taken, applies generally to all male natives above the age of 16, but power exists to exempt particular tribes, residents of a particular area, etc. Up to the end of 1923, 395,710 finger prints had been taken in connection with permanent certificates of registration, and 157,600 in connection with temporary certificates. There is no doubt some overlapping between these figures. The total native population is about 2½ millions.