Senate probes creation of over 1,100 administrative units across counties
These concerns follow the February 2023 gazettement of 1,104 administrative units across 31 counties by then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, now serving as Deputy President.
Senators have raised concerns about the opaque criteria used to establish over 1,100 new administrative units across Kenya, warning the process may fail to properly serve local communities' needs.
The legislators are demanding that the government explain how these units were allocated and whether proper consultations were held with local leaders and residents beforehand.
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These concerns follow the February 2023 gazettement of 1,104 administrative units across 31 counties by then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, now serving as Deputy President.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has called on the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to clarify the selection criteria, noting that rapidly growing regions like Kisumu may remain underserved under the current arrangement.
"The Cabinet Secretary must explain what thresholds were used to determine unit adequacy and whether Kisumu meets these standards. Are there plans to establish additional units in our county?" Ojienda demanded.
He further pressed Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to reveal whether the government consults local leaders and communities before creating new administrative structures.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola supported these concerns, highlighting how Ndhiwa Sub-county in Homa Bay - larger than some devolved units - remains divided into just two divisions despite exponential population growth. She proposed creating three new sub-counties from Ndhiwa to improve service delivery.
"Administrative units exist to bring services closer to people. 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.
She emphasised that properly structured administrative units are vital for effective governance, enhanced security and fair resource distribution.
Government records show 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).
The debate comes as MPs express frustration over numerous administrative units that have remained dormant since their 2022 launch due to funding shortfalls. Legislators accuse the government of prioritising political appearances over actual service delivery, wasting public funds and breaking promises to citizens.
Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya revealed that several units in her county have been non-functional for up to three years, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic services.
"Operationalising these units would create youth employment and boost socio-economic development," Bonaya told Parliament.
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, who chairs the Administration and Internal Security Committee, confirmed 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, urging Parliament to prioritise proper funding to make these units operational.
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