NAIROBI, Kenya – Senators have voiced serious concerns over the process used to establish more than 1,100 new administrative units across Kenya, warning that the move may fail to meet the needs of local communities.
The legislators are now demanding a detailed explanation from the government regarding the criteria used to allocate these units, as well as whether adequate consultations were conducted with local leaders and residents.
These concerns stem from the February 2023 gazettement of 1,104 administrative units across 31 counties, a move overseen by then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, now serving as Deputy President.
The new administrative units were part of a broader effort to decentralize government services, but the lack of clarity surrounding their allocation has raised alarms among lawmakers.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has called on the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to shed light on the selection criteria, particularly with regard to rapidly growing regions like Kisumu.
“The Cabinet Secretary must explain what thresholds were used to determine unit adequacy and whether Kisumu meets these standards,” Ojienda demanded. “Are there plans to establish additional units in our county?”
Ojienda also pressed Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to clarify whether the government had consulted with local leaders and communities before creating these new administrative units.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola echoed Ojienda’s concerns, specifically highlighting the situation in Ndhiwa Sub-county in Homa Bay.
Despite its large size and rapid population growth, Ogola pointed out that Ndhiwa remains divided into just two divisions.
She proposed the creation of three new sub-counties to better serve the area’s residents and improve service delivery.
“Administrative units exist to bring services closer to people,” Ogola explained. “Devolution was meant to shift services from Nairobi to counties, but they must reach beyond county headquarters—down to sub-counties, wards, and villages—to ensure equitable access.”
Ogola stressed that the proper structuring of administrative units is essential for effective governance, improved security, and the fair distribution of resources.
Government records indicate that the expansion created 24 new sub-counties, including Tarasaa (Tana River), Tiriki East (Vihiga), Narok Amalo and Narok West (Narok), Kambu, Murera, and Kerio Valley (Kakamega), Usigu (Siaya), Suba Central, West, and South (Homa Bay), and Dagoretti North and South (Nairobi).
However, as the debate intensifies, MPs have expressed frustration over the large number of administrative units that remain dormant due to a lack of funding.
Legislators have accused the government of prioritizing political appearances over effective service delivery, warning that this waste of public funds undermines the promise of better governance.
Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya highlighted that several administrative units in her county have been non-functional for up to three years, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic services.
“Operationalizing these units would create youth employment and boost socio-economic development,” Bonaya argued in Parliament.
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who chairs the Administration and Internal Security Committee, confirmed that 24 sub-counties, 88 divisions, 318 locations, and 674 sub-locations nationwide remain inactive due to budget constraints.
“The Sh284 million allocated in the supplementary budget falls far short of the Sh500 million needed,” Tongoyo disclosed.
He urged Parliament to prioritize proper funding to make these units operational and ensure that they serve their intended purpose.
