Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cited financial constraints and inadequate infrastructure as the key reasons behind the phased operationalisation of newly gazetted administrative units in Kenya. Despite the gazettement of 45 sub-counties, 291 divisions, 1,439 locations, and 2,693 sub-locations, many of these units remain inactive due to budgetary limitations.
Speaking before the National Assembly plenary, Murkomen stated that the ministry is in the process of developing new guidelines to streamline the establishment of administrative units. He emphasized that these regulations will be subjected to public participation before being forwarded to Parliament for approval. This move is aimed at preventing the future gazettement of administrative units without proper budgeting and planning.
To enhance access to government services, the ministry plans to operationalise 24 sub-counties, along with 88 divisions, 318 locations, and 675 sub-locations in the current financial year. However, after this phase, 21 sub-counties, 203 divisions, 1,121 locations, and 2,018 sub-locations will still remain inactive due to financial constraints.
Murkomen explained that the budget for operationalising new units was not allocated in this financial year. Consequently, the Ministry of Interior has been utilizing available funds from development and recurrent expenditure to ensure service delivery continues. The phased implementation of administrative units is guided by factors such as insecurity levels, geographical vastness, population pressure, demand for government services, and inclusivity, particularly for minority groups.
Additionally, anomalies in administrative structures are being addressed. In some cases, sub-counties have only one division, leading to an overlap in responsibilities between Assistant County Commissioners and Deputy County Commissioners. The ministry is working to ensure that these units are structured efficiently to improve governance and service delivery.
Murkomen also commended Members of Parliament for leveraging the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to support infrastructure development for new administrative units. He acknowledged that such contributions have significantly complemented the ministry’s efforts in rolling out new administrative structures.
As the government continues to prioritise equitable access to public services, the phased operationalisation of administrative units remains a crucial step towards strengthening security, governance, and service delivery across the country.
