New Districts

The creation of new districts continues to elicit mixed reactions among members of the public and Parliamentarians.

The Interim Independent Boundary Review Commission which was in Western Province collecting views from members of the public maintained that boundaries should not be used to divide Kenyans.

While contributing to the debate, former Lugari MP Enock Kibunguchi suggested that the gazette notice that created the 212 new districts be legalized because people needed the administrative units.

"All those things that led to the creation of new districts, even if they were illegal, let them be legalized," Kibunguchi appealed amid applause from members of the public who attended the function.

He submitted that the country should be divided into three broad areas which include leading urban areas, densely populated areas and sparsely populated areas with a population capacity of 200,000, 150,000 and 100,000 people respectively.

But Amagoro MP Sospeter Ojaamong termed the notices illegal. "Consider the gazette notices that created the districts illegalities because boundaries are created by Parliament."

IIBRC chairman Andrew Ligale, in response, said that his committee did not intend to abolish the administrative units because it was not in its mandate to decide on the boundary review but to recommend to Parliament.

"Ours is to collect views from the public and stakeholders" he said.

The high court has declared the formation of 37 new districts illegal.

The commission was formed in December last year tasked with reviewing all administrative and electoral boundaries has 24 months to collect views and come up with a report which will be forwarded to the Parliament