Consider northern Kenya's proposals during boundary delimitation

In delimitation of boundaries, IEBC takes into account key factors such as population density and the need to ensure adequate representation of urban and sparsely populated rural areas. [Elvi Ogina, Standard]

In 2019, the Commission on Revenue Allocation proposed the third revenue sharing formula. In the formula, they emphasised population as the main factor for determining revenue sharing. This caused a heated debate and eventually, Senate voted down the formula because it disadvantaged the arid regions.

National revenue is also shared and disbursed by the Treasury through the Constituency Development Fund. The more constituencies a county has the more resources it is allocated. This is why each region wants to have as many constituencies as possible. The determination of the number of constituencies is done through delimitation of the boundaries.

Delimitation involves dividing an area into defined counties, constituencies and wards. This is carried out by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Boundary delimitation, though deemed to resolve deep-seated resource allocation discrepancies, often can lead to more hatred and violence. IEBC reviews the names and boundaries of constituencies at intervals of not less than eight years and not more than 12 years. The last review was done in 2012 when the constituencies were increased from 210 to 290.

Any constituency boundary review process is political and naturally, highly competitive and emotive because sharing of national resources is based on population but also to a large extent, the size and number of electoral units. Article 203 of the Constitution determines how revenue is shared. This means that undertaking the boundary review requires clarity in criteria and procedure commensurate to the electoral dynamics of the country.

In delimitation of boundaries, IEBC takes into account key factors such as population density and the need to ensure adequate representation of urban and sparsely populated rural areas. Geographical features and community interests are also taken into account. However, existing boundaries remain a guiding factor.

IEBC is expected (by law) to sensitise the public and hold consultations and public hearings with stakeholders throughout the country. The agency has already mapped out administrative boundary changes since 2012. It is our hope that the recommendations presented by northern Kenya in the last review will be taken into consideration. Just to mention a few, Isiolo proposed the creation of Merti Constituency and splitting of Isiolo South Constituency. They also proposed close to 30 wards but only 10 were granted. Isiolo and Lamu have the lowest number of county assembly wards, far below the limit of 15 per county.

Marsabit, the largest county in Kenya, proposed the splitting of Moyale into two constituencies. It was that North Horr, the largest constituency in Kenya, be divided into three constituencies but this wasn't granted.

We highlight the above and seek the indulgence of the IEBC and all stakeholders because the northern region generally scores the least in all development indices.

This time, the country must listen to its disadvantaged groups and not only the dominant ones. Concentration of leaders in small geographic areas where they can access their leaders should be balanced with sparsely populated areas where it is difficult to access representatives and government services.

While population density is the most important factor in the delimitation of boundaries, we need to appreciate that Kenya is diverse, and a hybrid solution to the representation question is needed, not one-size-fits-all.

Mr Kabelo is Development Consultant. Mr Guleid is coordinator, North East Development Initiative