Former government official Irungu Nyakera has raised the alarm over the possible removal of 27 constituencies in the 2027 general elections if urgent action is not taken by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
According to Nyakera as reported by Kenyans, these constituencies were created in 2010 during the implementation of the new constitution. However, they did not meet the required population size to qualify as independent constituencies. Their existence was meant to be temporary, pending further boundary reviews by the IEBC.
Nyakera explained that the IEBC was expected to carry out the delimitation of boundaries by March 2024. This process would have looked at population changes and determined whether these constituencies still deserved to exist or if they should be merged or scrapped altogether.
However, the IEBC has been unable to act due to the lack of commissioners, following the resignation and exit of the previous team. As a result, the delimitation process has not taken place, leaving the fate of these 27 constituencies hanging in the balance.
He warned that unless the IEBC is quickly reconstituted and given the mandate to begin the boundary review process, the affected areas could face serious political and administrative consequences. This could include reduced representation in parliament, loss of funding tied to constituency development, and possible public dissatisfaction.
Nyakera called on the government to treat the matter as urgent, noting that delays could spark a constitutional crisis as the 2027 elections draw closer.The 27 constituencies at risk include Bura, Galole, Lamu West, Lamu East, Mvita, Voi, Wundanyi, Mwatate, Mbeere North, Isiolo North, Isiolo South, Marakwet East, and Keiyo North. Others are Keiyo South, Samburu East, Samburu North, Igembe North, Igembe Central, Igembe South, Kuria East, Kuria West, Teso North, Teso South, Turkana East, Turkana North, North Horr, and Moyale.
These areas are mostly located in sparsely populated parts of the country, including northern Kenya, the coast, and sections of Eastern and Rift Valley regions.Citizens in these constituencies stand to lose their direct representation in Parliament, which would reduce their voice in national matters.
Furthermore, MPs from these areas may resist any move to scrap their seats as this would mean loss of political power. The longer the delay in resolving this issue, the more complicated it may become. Nyakera’s remarks come as Kenyans continue to question the government’s delay in appointing new IEBC commissioners.
With time running out, the pressure is now on the administration to act swiftly and ensure the IEBC can begin the boundary review process before it’s too late.
