Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced the creation of new administrative units in 31 counties.
In a special gazette issue dated February 14, Kindiki invoked the powers conferred to him by section 14(1) of the National Government Co-ordination Act, 2013, to establish new sub-counties, locations, divisions, and sub-locations.
The new administrative units, according to the Interior Ministry, will help to improve coordination of government services to the citizens.
In the gazette notice, Kindiki announced the creation of 16 sub-counties spread in various counties among them being Tarasaa Sub-County in Tana River County, Tiriki East in Vihiga County, Narok Amalo (Narok), and Narok West.
Other new sub-counties announced in the notice include Kambu with its headquarters in Kambu (Makueni), Murera, Headquartered at Toll, Kerio Valley, Kabras East (Headquarters- Malava Town), Kabras West, and Suba Central in Homa Bay.
Kindiki also announced creation of locations and sub-locations in what is expected to ease pressure on bigger administrative units serving big population and geographical areas.
Kindiki creates new locations
In Nairobi County, Dagoretti North Sub-County will get one new location named Kabiro Location and a sub-location named Gachuini.
Makadara Sub-County will also have one new location named Sinai and three sub-locations- Kingstone, Sinai, and Paradise.
“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by section 14(1) of the National Government Co-ordination Act, 2013, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration establishes the following Administrative Units as service delivery co-ordination units,” the notice read in part.
Structure of NGAOs
The administrative units are integral parts of the National Government Administrative Organs. The 47 Counties headed by county commissioners are the biggest administrative units, followed by sub-counties, divisions, locations and the sub-locations.
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On their part, Sub-Counties are headed by Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs), divisions by an assistant commissioner, locations by chiefs while the sub-locations are headed by sub-chiefs.
Besides the administrative duties and helping to enforce government policies, the units serve as link between the government and the citizens by helping to dispense important government services including application for registration services (ID and birth certificates), solving land disputes, and reconciling villagers.
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With the units, Kenyans in the named counties will have an easier time accessing government services through the new units.
The units will also present job opportunities for Kenyans qualified to take up roles as either Deputy County Commissioners, Division heads, chiefs and their assistants, as well as other positions in their offices.
Some regions have traditionally complained of being disadvantaged due to the size of population or land mass left under the stewardship of a single officer. As such, the Ministry in charge of the NGAOs creates new units to enhance convenience in service delivery.
In addition, the new units mean job opportunities for qualified individuals who will run the offices.