359 CONSTITUENCIES

The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the Constitution is now proposing an increase the number of parliamentary seats to 359, up from the 325 suggested earlier at the on-going retreat in Naivasha.

Members voted on today to adopt 300 constituencies and 59 nominated MPs.

Professor Peter Aduol and Johnstone Sakaja, who had been called to help resolve a deadlock over representation, reportedly argued that the country’s 40 million people would adequately be represented in Parliament if a uniform figure was arrived at in creating constituencies.

Experts have recommended 133,000 as the minimum population for each constituency.

The 26-member PSC was divided on whether to go by the experts’ proposal or stick to their own recommendation to create 56 new electoral areas. This is the second time the committee has increased the constituencies after raising the number to 266 on Tuesday.

The contention has been how constituencies would be established. One school of thought is that it should be based on population, while another roots for geographical area. It was agreed that the question of the formula be shelved and experts called in to help.

Currently, the minimum number of constituencies is 188 while the maximum is 210. The MPs also debated on the most appropriate formula for differentiating between rural, urban and sparsely populated areas. During Wednesday's sessions, women MPs said in case the proposal to have an additional 90 constituencies was passed.

The team moved on to discuss the chapter on Devolution. Members were debating between a resource-based devolution floated by PNU and Majimbo driven being spearheaded by ODM.

There have been proposals to also do away with the proposed 47 counties and instead create 30 regions.

It was unclear if the meeting which was due to end on today had concluded its objectives. The members are likely to continue deliberations over the weekend.