MP wants Meru County split into two, says it’s too large
Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood (left) gives sports equipment to the constituency volleyball team at the local NG-CDF offices on April 18, 2019. He called for the splitting of Meru County into two. PHOTO | CHARLES WANYORO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The MP said the county is ripe for a split since it already has nine constituencies, many of which qualify for further subdivision.
- Mr Dawood suggested that new constituencies be carved from Igembe Central, South Imenti and North Imenti.
- He protested at the little amount of money allocated to the county for irrigation and building of dams.
An MP from Meru has proposed that the populous county be split into two, saying this will boost development and accessibility.
Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood wants the region split into Nyambene and Imenti counties, so as to ensure residents get more funds allocations in order to enhance devolution.
Speaking in Meru town when he issued development cheques and sports equipment to local athletes, the MP said the county is ripe for a split since it already has nine constituencies, many of which qualify for further subdivision.
NEW CONSTITUENCIES
Nyambene region consists of Tigania West, Tigania East, Igembe North, Igembe Central and Igembe South, while Imenti comprises of Imenti South, Imenti Central, Imenti North and Buuri constituencies.
Mr Dawood suggested that new constituencies be carved from Igembe Central, South Imenti and North Imenti (Nyaki and Ntima) when the government carries out a boundary review.
The MP said that based on its high population and constituencies, Meru County ends up receiving little amount of money per sub-county, compared to counties with fewer constituencies.
MORE MONEY
He cited Isiolo and Lamu counties which have only two constituencies each as among counties that enjoy more money per Sub County than Meru.
At the same time, the legislator protested at the little amount of money allocated to the county for irrigation and building of dams, yet most of the region is semi-arid and lacks water.
He said most of the residents have experienced low crop production due to insufficient rains while seeds planted early this month did not germinate.
“When we hear dams worth Sh63 billion [are being built] in other places, we wonder why we can’t get the same. Water would help boost food security in this area,” said Mr Dawood.
He also announced that constituency water projects would be allocated about Sh100 million to enhance their capacity and help boost crop production.
