Have more children for higher revenue share: Wundanyi MP

Wundanyi Member of Parliament (MP) Danson Mwashako has asked Taita Taveta residents to sire more children to increase the county's population.

Mr Mwashako said the low population is disadvantageous as the area has been getting small amounts in revenue allocations from the government.

BOUNDARIES

Voi, Mwatate, Taveta and Wundanyi constituencies risk being scrapped in the forthcoming boundary review if they fail the population threshold set by the Constitution.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is expected to realign the boundaries of the constituencies after next year's national census.

Mr Mwashako pleaded with the residents to increase the number of children in their homes so the county's revenue from the national government is higher.

"Government funds are shared on population criteria where areas with the highest populations get the biggest shares," he explained at Dr Aggrey Secondary School on Wednesday.

"We are [facing] discriminated due to our low population. Our neighbours in Kilifi County are getting a higher allocation from the national government because of their high population."

EXAMPLE

The 40-year-old MP said he had embarked on getting another child to walk his talk.

"We have decided as Wundanyi people that those who can add another child should do so. I have already informed my wife about this," said the father of two.

Mr Mwashako also said he will table a proposal in Parliament to make the day of the census a public holiday to enable residents outside the county to travel back to their rural homes.

He said a big number of residents moved to other counties in search of job opportunities.

The MP recently launched a tree planting campaign that saw him donate 10 seedlings.

He said the donation, for each of 199 newborns, was aimed at sensitising parents and children on the importance of conserving the environment.