Eric Omondi has unveiled plans to launch a referendum aimed at significantly reducing Kenya’s administrative divisions. The comedian and humanitarian activist is proposing a drastic cut in the number of counties from 47 to just 8, a move he believes will combat corruption and enhance resource distribution. Omondi’s proposal harkens back to Kenya’s former provincial system, which consisted of eight larger regions, a structure he feels is more efficient and less prone to the spread of corruption.
Devolution Gone Wrong
Speaking in a recent interview, Omondi criticized the current county system for deviating from its intended purpose. He argued that while counties were created to decentralize resources and bring governance closer to the people, they have instead become centers of rampant corruption. “The idea was to devolve resources, but we ended up devolving corruption,” he lamented. Omondi’s critique touches on a widespread concern among Kenyans that the devolution of power has led to increased opportunities for mismanagement and embezzlement at the county level.
Streamlining Governance
Omondi’s proposal goes beyond just reducing the number of counties. He also suggests doing away with several elected and nominated positions, including Senators, Woman Representatives, and nominated Members of Parliament, as well as Members of County Assemblies (MCAs). According to Omondi, these positions contribute to over-representation and confusion among the electorate. He pointed out that the sheer number of representatives—each Kenyan is currently represented by multiple officials including MPs, Senators, Governors, MCAs, and the President—places a heavy burden on taxpayers and complicates the implementation of development projects.
“Kenyans are over-represented,” Omondi stated, adding that this redundancy in representation leads to confusion and inefficiency. He recounted an experience in Baringo County where locals were unsure who was responsible for a bridge project—whether it was the MP, the MCA, or the Governor. This anecdote underscores the disconnect between elected officials and their constituents, a gap that Omondi believes can be bridged by reducing the number of counties and representatives.
A Call to Action
Omondi’s call for a referendum is a clear challenge to the status quo. He envisions a streamlined governance structure where eight governors oversee the newly proposed regions, eliminating the need for Senators and most MCAs. This, he argues, will not only reduce the financial burden on the country but also make the government more accountable and efficient.
While the idea of reverting to the former provincial system may appeal to those frustrated with the current state of county governance, it is likely to face significant opposition. Counties were established as part of Kenya’s 2010 constitution, which aimed to decentralize power and promote local governance. Any attempt to reverse this structure would require a constitutional amendment, a process that involves rigorous legal and political hurdles.
The Road Ahead
Eric Omondi’s push for a referendum reflects a broader debate in Kenya about the effectiveness of devolution. While the creation of counties was initially celebrated as a means to empower local communities, the reality has been marred by allegations of corruption and inefficiency. Omondi’s proposal to reduce the number of counties and representatives is a provocative solution to these issues, but it remains to be seen whether it will gain the necessary support to become a reality.
As Kenya grapples with these governance challenges, Omondi’s activism highlights the need for ongoing discussions about the best way to serve the nation’s diverse and growing population. Whether through a referendum or other means, the conversation about how to ensure accountability and transparency in government continues.
