By Reporter
Residents of Kuria East and West in Migori County have expressed their deep gratitude to the government for the creation of 22 new administrative units in the region.
Led by their MP, Marwa Kitayama, they specifically thanked President William Ruto, Deputy President and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Kithure Kindiki, and PS Interior Dr Omollo, who had made the promise to expand administrative units. They also acknowledged Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for gazetting 578 new administrative units across Kenya, including 27 sub-counties, 59 divisions, 170 locations, and 322 sub-locations.
Kuria East gained 16 new units and West received 6, making them the largest beneficiaries in the county. Other constituencies in the county were allocated between 3 to 5 new units.
Kitayama highlighted that the establishment of these new units would enhance local economic opportunities and decentralise the distribution of services, benefiting both residents and the wider community.
The people of Kuria East, along with other regions benefiting from the initiative, expressed their heartfelt appreciation, recognising the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and creating wealth through better resource allocation.
Other counties, including Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay, also celebrated the creation of additional administrative units. Nyando MP Jared Okello welcomed the establishment of the Kadibo division.
“These administrative units will enhance service delivery to our people, and we thank the state for delineating new boundaries,” said Okello.
Kennedy Ongati, a resident of Homa Bay, noted that the new devolved units would spur economic growth in rural communities.
Kuria residents acknowledged President Ruto’s leadership in this transformative initiative, expressing their gratitude.
Kitayama emphasised that the creation of the new administrative units would significantly accelerate economic growth at the village level. He encouraged residents to fully embrace the benefits of these developments by actively participating in local economic activities.
Kitayama further urged the community to reciprocate their appreciation for the government’s efforts during the 2027 general elections by supporting leaders who have worked to improve livelihoods and foster regional progress.
Kuria West MP Mathias Robi underscored the importance of creating new administrative units, noting their role in governance, resource allocation, and regional development.
“As Kenya approaches the next boundaries review by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the focus on creating new administrative units becomes even more critical,” said Kitayama.
Okello echoed Kitayama’s sentiments, highlighting how new administrative units in regions with large populations or vast geographic areas bring services closer to the people.
“Local governments can better cater to the unique needs of their communities, whether in education, healthcare, infrastructure, or security,” said Okello.
Kitayama also explained the broader benefits of redrawing boundaries, such as promoting balanced development across the country and addressing historical marginalisation.
“New administrative units will ensure that resources are allocated more fairly, especially to historically marginalised or less developed areas,” said Kitayama.
He observed that smaller administrative units allow for targeted development projects, improving infrastructure, public services, and overall living conditions.
Kitayama noted that these units would promote social cohesion and political stability, ensuring adequate representation for minority groups and addressing ethnic tensions.
“By balancing population sizes and ensuring fair representation, new boundaries can reduce dominance by a single ethnic group in certain areas, which has been a source of political conflict,” he explained.
Kitayama also pointed out that well-defined constituencies foster stronger voter engagement and fairer elections.
“People feel a stronger connection to their local representatives, increasing voter turnout and the legitimacy of elections,” he said.
Redrawing boundaries reflects current population sizes and demographics, reducing voter irregularities and gerrymandering while ensuring a more democratic electoral process.
“By addressing areas with low voter registration or participation, new administrative units can ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the voting process,” added Kitayama.
Ends…
