Constituencies With No MPs Risks Disbandment

As of September 2024, several constituencies in Kenya are without MPs due various reasons with majority of them facing a greater risk of disbandment or being merged as boundary review is looming.

More than 20 constituencies have been having a ghost leadership, some for a short period while other for a long time now. Some of these constituencies became vacant when their representatives were nominated t the cabinet while others are due to electoral disputes.

Banisa and Magarini constituency are among those lacking representation in Parliament due to unresolved electoral disputes and court processes, while constituency like Gwasi and Ugunja lacks a Member of Parliament because of the appointment of former MPs John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi to the Cabinet in July 2024, leaving the parliamentary seats vacant. A by-election will be necessary to fill the post which is yet to be done.

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As the country prepares for a boundary review, 24 constituencies across the nation find themselves on the verge of disbandment. These regions, once vibrant with life are now struggling to meet population thresholds set by the Constitution. With migration, environmental challenges, and security concerns taking their toll, the fate of thousands hangs in the balance.

The 24 constituency are; Othaya, Ndaragwa, Vihiga, Voi, Wundanyi, Mwatate, Galole Bura, Isiolo South, Samburu East, Laisamis, North Horr, Saku, Kilome Mukurweini, Mbeere North, Mathioya, Kangema, Marakwet East, Keiyo North, Tetu, Mogotio, Lamu East, Lamu West, and Mvita.

According to the 2010 constitution, a constituency must have a minimum of approximately 164,137 people to retain its status. However, these constituencies have populations far below this figure thus facing the risk of being merged due to the delayed boundary review