Kibaki stokes row by creating 13 new districts

President Kibaki has created 13 new districts, putting the Executive on a collision course with the boundaries commission, set to begin reviewing administrative and constituency boundaries.

In a Kenya Gazette notice dated January 21, 2010, the President carved out administrative areas in Eldas, Lagdera and North Horr in North Eastern Province, Kiharu and Kahuro in Central, Pokot South, Gilgil, Loyangalani and Subukia in Rift Valley and Embu North in Eastern.

Others are Cheptais and Nambale (Western) while Ugunja has been carved out of the recently-created Ugenya district.

Defended districts

In September last year, High Court judge Daniel Musinga nullified the creation of Nyamira North district and accused the Executive of sidestepping Parliament and the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission in creating the district.

The ruling followed a constitutional application in July to challenge the creation of districts and administrative boundaries through the Executive.

But on Monday, the Office of the President defended the creation of the districts.

“Our main interest is to bring services closer to the people but the commission is also free to carry on with its mandate,” said Internal Security assistant minister Orwa Ojodeh.