Despite the government’s establishment of new administrative units across Kenya since 2023 to bring services closer to citizens, enhance security, and improve coordination of government operations, an investigation has found that many of these units are still not fully operational.
The main factors delaying implementation include inadequate funding, slow recruitment of chiefs and assistant chiefs, and a lack of offices and essential infrastructure.
The regions most affected are the North Eastern and Rift Valley regions, where many of the new administrative units were created to address persistent security challenges.
In the North Eastern region alone, at least seven divisions, 26 locations, and 38 sub-locations have yet to begin offering government services.
Wajir County has the highest number of non-operational administrative units, with 40, followed by Garissa with 19, and Mandera with 12.
Residents say insecurity, clan conflicts, and a shortage of government personnel have significantly delayed the rollout of services.
In Garissa, for instance, some residents still travel more than 150 kilometres to access essential services such as national identity cards and birth certificates.
However, the North Eastern Regional Commissioner, John Otieno, said the implementation process is ongoing, noting that chiefs and assistant chiefs are still being recruited, while Deputy County Commissioners have already been deployed to many of the newly created administrative areas.
Turkana County has experienced both progress and challenges. New administrative units in Lokichogio, Aroo, Lokiriama, and Suguta have helped improve security in some border areas. However, livestock theft, a shortage of patrol vehicles, and poor road infrastructure continue to hamper service delivery.
Along the Kenya–South Sudan border, residents say peace and stability have improved since the establishment of the new units in 2024, with peace committees and resource management initiatives helping to prevent conflicts.
In Kilifi County, Chasimba Division is the only new administrative unit nearing full operation, while other areas such as Kitsoeni and Mwakambi still lack chiefs and office facilities.
A similar situation exists in Taita Taveta County, where several areas are still waiting for administrative officers to be deployed despite recruitment interviews having already been completed.
Homa Bay and Kisumu counties also have newly created administrative units that are unable to provide all government services due to staff shortages and inadequate infrastructure.
As a result, many residents are still forced to travel to sub-county headquarters to obtain services such as national identity card registration, birth certificates, and police assistance.
In Busia County, however, some residents say the new administrative units have reduced both the cost and time required to access government services.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Mumias West, newly constructed police stations have yet to become operational despite public funds having been spent on their construction.
In Samburu County, implementation of the newly announced sub-counties remains stalled more than six months after their creation due to insufficient funding.
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