Senate Launches Probe into Creation of Over 1,100 Administrative Units Across Counties
The Senate is investigating the establishment of more than 1,100 administrative units across Kenya amid growing concerns that the process was rushed, opaque, and failed to consider the actual needs of local communities.
Senators are demanding answers from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on how the units were allocated and whether meaningful consultations took place with community leaders and residents prior to the February 2023 gazettement. The units, which span 31 counties, were introduced under the leadership of then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, now serving as Deputy President.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda questioned the criteria used to determine the need for these units. He warned that rapidly growing regions like Kisumu might be sidelined if the selection process was not data-driven.
“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?” asked Ojienda.
Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola echoed these concerns, citing the example of Ndhiwa Sub-county in Homa Bay, which she described as underrepresented despite its large population. Ogola proposed splitting Ndhiwa into three additional sub-counties to enhance service delivery.
“Administrative units exist to bring services closer to the people,” Ogola stated. “Devolution should not end at the county headquarters. It must extend to sub-counties, wards, and villages to ensure all Kenyans benefit.”
Government records reveal that the expansion led to the creation of 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, MPs have lamented that many of these administrative units remain dormant due to insufficient funding. Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya noted that several units in her county have been non-operational for up to three years, forcing residents to travel long distances to access basic government services.
“Operationalising these units would create youth employment and boost socio-economic development,” Bonaya said.
Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, Chairperson of the Administration and Internal Security Committee, revealed that 24 sub-counties, 88 divisions, 318 locations, and 674 sub-locations remain inactive nationwide due to budgetary constraints.
“The Sh284 million allocated in the supplementary budget falls far short of the Sh500 million needed,” Tongoyo said, urging Parliament to address the shortfall and ensure these units become fully functional.
The Senate probe underscores broader concerns about devolution, equity in service delivery, and whether political motives are influencing administrative decisions. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Ministry of Interior to provide clarity and accountability in the structuring of Kenya’s local governance system.
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Senate Launches Probe into Creation of Over 1,100 Administrative Units Across Counties