Murkomen: 24 New Subcounties to Be Operational Next Financial Year
The government is set to operationalize 24 new subcounties, 88 divisions, 318 locations, and 675 sublocations in the next financial year, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced.
Speaking before Members of Parliament on Wednesday, Murkomen stated that 45 subcounties, 291 divisions, 1,439 locations, and 2,693 sublocations have already been earmarked for activation.
“The ministry remains fully committed to strengthening national government coordination and improving access to services through the timely operationalization of these administrative units,” Murkomen said.
Future Plans for Administrative Units
Once these units are fully operational, the government will still have 21 subcounties, 203 divisions, 1,126 locations, and 2,018 sublocations pending activation in subsequent financial years.
Murkomen highlighted that factors such as security, geographic terrain, population density, and the demand for government services would influence the selection of administrative units for activation.
Budget Constraints and Strategic Adjustments
The Interior CS admitted that the current budget did not include allocations for implementing new administrative units. As a result, the ministry has been forced to reallocate funds from development and recurrent budgets to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of government services in affected areas.
Affirmative Action in Recruitment
Addressing concerns over the appointment of chiefs and assistant chiefs in marginalized regions, Murkomen reassured MPs that the government prioritizes inclusivity in public service hiring.
He emphasized that while experience in socio-political, economic, and cultural matters is vital for grassroots administration, minimum academic qualifications must still be met. However, in special circumstances, academic waivers are granted to attract experienced candidates from marginalized communities.
“This Affirmative Action ensures that citizens in marginalized areas are not discriminated against but have equal access to chiefs’ and assistant chiefs’ positions,” he stated.
New Regulations to Guide Future Establishment
To prevent the future gazettement of administrative units without proper budgetary allocation, the ministry is developing new regulations to guide their establishment. Murkomen revealed that these regulations would undergo public participation before being tabled in Parliament for consideration.
The move aims to create a structured approach to the expansion of administrative units, ensuring that new establishments are well-funded and aligned with national development priorities.
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Murkomen: 24 New Subcounties to Be Operational Next Financial Year