The government plans to allocate an additional Sh2.1 billion to fully operationalize 1,105 newly created administrative units, MPs were told on Thursday.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Internal Security Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo revealed that despite receiving Sh666 million in the supplementary budget, the ministry requires more funding to implement the gazetted units effectively.
The government aims to activate 24 sub-counties, 88 divisions, 318 locations, and 675 sub-locations to enhance service delivery across the country.
“For us to implement what has been gazetted and enable our field officers to function effectively, we require an additional Sh2.1 billion,” Omollo told the committee chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo.
He also noted that while there is no existing policy on the operationalization of administrative units, the ministry has drafted a Cabinet Memorandum outlining guidelines for the creation and activation of these units. The document is set to be tabled before the Cabinet for approval.
“Following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and the enactment of the National Government Coordination Act, 2013, administrative units must be gazetted before becoming operational. This ensures that all communities, including marginalized groups, have access to government services,” Omollo explained.
However, MPs raised concerns over the slow pace in rolling out the new units, with some remaining dormant since their gazettement more than a decade ago.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma lamented that some units in his constituency were gazetted over 10 years ago but remain non-functional.
In response, Chairperson Tongoyo urged the ministry to fast-track the process, emphasizing that making the units fully operational would significantly improve service delivery to citizens across the country.
