Ruto creates 16 new sub-counties, divisions and locations

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki officially opens the new Eldas South Sub County DCC's office. [Phoebe Okall, Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure has created new administrative units including 16 sub-counties in the opposition strongholds.

The CS, in a gazette notice dated February 14, 2024, outlined the establishment of 16 sub-counties, two divisions, five locations, and seven sub-locations.

According to the notice, the newly established sub-counties include Tarasaa in Tana River, Tiriki East in Vihiga county, Narok Amalo and Narok West in Narok county, Kambu, Murera, Kerio Valley, Kabras East, and Kabras West in Kakamega county, and Usigu in Siaya county.

Additionally, Suba Central, Suba West, Suba South, and Rachuonyo West in Homa Bay county, Dagoretti North, and Dagoretti South in Nairobi county have been designated as new administrative units.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 14(1) of the National Government Co-ordination Act, 2013, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration establishes the following administrative units as service delivery coordination units," the gazette notice stated.

Each newly established sub-county is set to have its own administrative headquarters, aimed at decentralising services and improving accessibility for residents.

For instance, Tiriki East will have its main office in Shaviringa, with Amalo officers stationed in Sogoo town, while Narok West will be headquartered in Ng'osuani.

Prof Kindiki said that the creation of new divisions is set to streamline administrative processes and cater to the growing needs of the population. The divisions, which include Jibana, Gede, Chakama, Chara, Garsen Central, Fafi, Mugwe, Kathangachini, Uragate, Thagicu North, Kithungo, Kikumbulyu, Kavete, Kikoko, Gakawa, Kabaru, Mweiga, Endarasha, Wamagana, and Siyoi, among others, will serve as focal points for local governance and service delivery.

The CS explained that the establishment of additional administrative units, such as Meibeki/Karuna, Tembelio, Embobut, Endo, Lolminingai, Kabirirsang, Kapkoros, Kambiri, Namubila, Mageta, Nyamonye, Kabonyo Kanyagwal, Kanyada West, Kanyada Central, Ruma/Kaksingiri East, Gwassi North, Kabondo East, Kojwach, Opapo, and Kuja divisions, underscores the government's commitment to grassroots development and inclusivity.

The new administrative units will be run by sub-county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, chiefs, and their assistants.