Kenya does not need even one more devolved unit

National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula chairs the Parliamentary session after the recess at the Parliament plenary on June 6, 2023. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The National Dialogue team recently received a proposal from nine MPs seeking to have the number of counties increased to 58. Kuria East MP Marwa Kitayama has also drafted a Bill that seeks the creation of an additional five counties to add to the existing 47. Indeed, there have been calls from different quarters to have the number of counties increased. In the 10 years of devolution, its potential for development has been apparent to all.

This potential, however, is yet to be fully exploited. While it is understandable to improve service delivery to the people by reducing the distances they travel in search of them, recent calls for additional counties are not driven by any compelling need.