Now we know whose constituency is poorest

By Peter Opiyo

Internal Security Minister George Saitoti’s Kajiado North is the richest constituency, while Turkana North, represented by Ekwee Ethuro, is the poorest.

According to figures released by the Government, Kajiado North has a poverty index of 10.66 per cent, while Turkana Central’s poverty index stands at 96.94.

The neighbouring Turkana South, represented by Wildlife Assistant Minister Josephat Nanok, is the second poorest with a poverty index of 96.14 while North Horr and Saku follow at 94.74 and 94.01 per cent respectively.

Others are Wajir North at 93.38, Wajir South 89.92, Mandera Central 89.84, Kinango 86.75, Mandera East 86.28 and Garsen 84.64.

The figures, presented to Parliament by Planning Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth last week, shows Defence Assistant Minister Joseph Nkaisery’s Kajiado Central as the second richest, with a poverty index of 12.98. Kajiado South and Westlands follow with 13.98 and 15.31 respectively, while Kikuyu has a poverty index of 16.36.

The poverty index is key as it is used, alongside population density, to allocate CDF money. The figures were tabled at a time parliament is debating a motion seeking to have the allocation of CDF determined by Geographic Dimensions of Well Being in Kenya report published in 2005.

Marked changes

The Sponsor of the Motion, Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo, argues the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey Report of 2005/2006 published in 2007, which was used in determining the CDF allocation, ‘shows marked changes in poverty levels without any known interventions and that it is not a reflection of the reality on the ground’.

But Transport Minister Amos Kimunya opposed the motion pointing out that Well Being in Kenya report excluded North Eastern Province, and therefore could not be authentic. The debate on the Motion will continue this week.

This financial year, Sh14.28 billion was allocated to the 210 constituencies, and Turkana North will get Sh106.8 million, the highest amount, while Lamu East, with a poverty index of 24.65 will get the lowest at Sh51.2 million. Other rich Constituencies are Kiambaa at 18.94, Ntonyiri 20.10, Embakasi 20.69, Starehe 20.80 and Langata 20.46.