Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-12 10:29:07
Members of Parliament are preparing for a crucial debate scheduled for this afternoon on bills aimed at safeguarding the future of over 27 constituencies facing the possibility of abolition due to failing population thresholds. The looming boundary review, required by the Constitution, has raised concerns about potential losses in representation and resources for affected communities.
Constituencies such as Voi, Wundanyi, Mwatate, and others are at risk due to falling short of the required population count in the 2019 census, putting them in jeopardy of not meeting constitutional requirements. These constituencies were spared from abolition during the 2009 boundary review, adding a layer of complexity to the current discussion. Recent legislative proposals have highlighted the urgency with which lawmakers are addressing this issue.
One of the bills, put forth by Mandera North MP Abdullahi Bashir Sheikh, known as the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Act 2023, aims to amend Article 88 of the Constitution to empower the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) secretariat to conduct by-elections without commissioners in office. This proposal is crucial in ensuring the smooth running of electoral processes in constituencies facing potential changes.
Simultaneously, another bill championed by Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a focuses on amending Article 89 of the Constitution to protect constituencies at risk of merger or abolition during the impending boundary review. The proposed amendment seeks to provide these constituencies with a minimum of eight years’ protection, allowing them time to bridge the population gap necessary to meet constitutional requirements.
The urgency behind these proposals is driven by the revelation that up to 40 constituencies could face abolition in the upcoming boundary review due to their failure to meet population quotas. Beyond concerns of representation and resource allocation, the proposed amendments also aim to address potential conflicts among counties that may arise from constituency mergers or abolitions.
The financial implications of abolishing or merging constituencies are significant, with potential savings of up to Ksh 341 million annually and Ksh 1.363 billion over four years. Redirecting these funds could provide much-needed support for critical areas such as healthcare and debt servicing.
As the deadline for the boundary review approaches, MPs are under pressure to protect constituencies that are vital to their constituents’ interests and identities. The proposed amendments seek to strike a balance between constitutional obligations and the preservation of local representation and autonomy.
In conclusion, the upcoming debate on these bills is critical in determining the future of constituencies at risk of abolition or merger. Lawmakers are tasked with finding solutions that protect the interests of affected communities while ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements. The decisions made in this debate will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape and resource allocation in these constituencies.
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