Too big to govern? Nakuru Town East residents demand ward split over service delivery gaps

Residents of Nakuru Town East Ward are calling out for the area to be divided in order to improve service delivery. Locals have long complained that the large population and extensive geography make it difficult for their elected leaders to meet the ward's growing needs.

Those most affected are residents of Barnabas, who claimed to be neglected by their Member of the County Assembly. Among them was Michael Ndirangu, who argued that the ward had become too large to manage effectively.

“Nakuru Town East is a very large ward, and the population has grown significantly over time. With more people, the demands grow, and this affects how well services can reach everyone," Mr Ndirangu says.

Other residents highlighted stark disparities within the ward. Erastus Maina observed that while areas such as Naka and Free Area have undergone substantial development, neighbourhoods like Mashini and Barnabas have been left behind.

“Naka and Free Area are ahead in terms of development. But compare that to Mashini and Barnabas — you see less progress there, yet leaders keep talking about strong development records. Many people do not feel that impact," Mr Maina says.

Residents had previously petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to split the ward into three smaller units — Barnabas, Mwariki B and Free Area — in order to improve governance and service delivery. However, the proposal did not progress.

“We made the proposal, but issues arose with the IEBC at the outset and it was not possible,” Mr Maina says.

Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria has also publicly expressed support for the subdivision, stating that the size of the ward has created challenges even at constituency level.

"When the time for the boundary review comes, I urge residents to turn out in large numbers and recommend that the IEBC split the ward into three," said Gikaria during a public forum.

He added that budgeting for such a large ward remains difficult, stating that it is challenging for the MCA to allocate funds effectively over such a vast area.

Masese Kemunche, CEO of the Centre for Enhancing Good Governance (CEDGG), says that a boundary review is long overdue, but cannot legally be conducted before the next general election.

"The IEBC must review boundaries periodically due to population growth and increased demand for services. Unfortunately, the review did not happen in time, and the law bars any boundary changes 18 months before elections," he says.

He noted that, although residents will have to wait, the issue should be prioritised once the election period is over.

"At the moment it cannot happen, but after the general election, the matter should be addressed," he says.