Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has said the proposed increase of the number of constituencies will not end the suffering faced by the majority of Kenyans.
Mr. Ndindi observed that the quest for more constituencies will never end even after adding 70 new electoral units as proposed in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
Speaking during an occasion to distribute bursaries to university students in Murang’a town Monday, the MP said his stand is to see the current number of constituencies remain and the government change the formula used to distribute Constituencies Development Fund (CDF)
Ndindi observed that people from different parts of the country are demanding creation of constituencies saying having more electoral units will be a burden to taxpayers.
“Bringing in more MPs will come with more expenses. Every legislator will come with expenses amounting not less than Sh 50 million per year; can this money instead be channeled to support key sectors including education, health and agriculture!” posed Ndindi.
Ndindi who represents the biggest constituency in Murang’a County which has more than 140, 000 voters said he has no problem serving the constituency the way it is.
“If now Kiharu is divided in two, the new constituencies may lack the threshold to be accepted as it is required by law. Other regions in this county will also demand more constituencies and the quest will go on and on,” he stated.
The legislator said what will heal the issue with representation is to distribute resources equitably among constituencies.
“Like Kiharu is two times bigger than Kangema, so let’s get allocation which will service the population in Kiharu,” Ndindi further explained.
On BBI, he said he will sit and discuss with his people on whether to support or not to support the document.
“Am advocating for consensus about the proposals in the BBI report. This will save Kenyans a lot of money. There is still a window to have a united voice about the report,” he added.
Meanwhile, more than 540 university students who are joining first year from Kiharu are slated to share Sh 6 million bursary from local CDF.
The money, Ndindi said, will support the learners to join the universities considering many parents are undergoing financial challenges posed by the impact of Covid-19.
The MP said by early next year local CDF has factored Sh20 million which will benefit learners in secondary schools.
“All first-year university students who applied for bursaries will benefit and next year we will also consider the continuing students. The CDF will also sponsor pastors and evangelists who are continuing with theology studies,” he further added.
By Bernard Munyao
