Push To Split Kiambu Into Two Counties
Professionals from five constituencies in Kiambu County have begun accumulating signatures with the intent of eventually submitting a petition to divide Kiambu County into two, citing a desire to improve devolution by bringing services closer to the people.
In their petition, the professionals from Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Gatundu North and South constituencies propose splitting the county into Kiambu and Thika counties.
‘’Today, we begin the process of petitioning the splitting of Kiambu County and the creation and separation of Thika County to include the constituencies of the former larger Thika District’’ said one of the petitioners.
According to the most recent report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the Kiambu constituencies have a population of 1.18 million people, which is more than double the population of other counties.
Lobbyists argued that the county’s population was twice that of Tana River, Isiolo, Samburu, Tharaka Nithi, and Lamu.
In addition, the advocates noted that the county’s population is greater than that of Mandera and Kwale combined.
‘’Kiambu County according to the estimates of the 2019 census has a population of 2.4 million people, this has strained service delivery, sharing of opportunities resource allocation and distribution as well as infrastructure development,’’ added the petitioners.
In addition, they urged President William Ruto and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula to advance the measure to improve county residents’ representation.
”We believe that Kiambu deserves this, in fact, it deserved it yesterday, let us have this county, let us have Thika County for proper representation of the people,” the lobbyists further said.
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The push to divide Kiambu County is a result of a proposal by a group of 26 legislators to add 11 more counties to the existing 47, increasing the total to 58.
The segment of parliamentarians addressing the National Dialogue Committee proposed the creation of additional counties due to the economic, social, and political marginalization of certain under-represented regions in Kenya.
Kuria County would be created from Migori County, Teso County would be created from Busia County, and Mount Elgon County would be created from Bungoma and Transzoia Counties.
Legislators wish to establish East Pokot County from Baringo and West Pokot Counties, Mwingi County from Kitui County, Gucha County from Kisii County, and Suba County from Homabay County.
MPs also desire the creation of Ijara County from Garissa County, Nakuru West from Nakuru County, Wajir South from Wajir County, and Embu County from Nyambene County.
Push To Split Kiambu Into Two Counties
