Wajir South’s high stakes in IEBC’s upcoming electoral boundary review

Wajir Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed 'Caato' has highlighted Wajir South’s keen interest in the upcoming boundary review.

Muhumed extended heartfelt congratulations to Erastus Edung Ethekon, the newly appointed Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and his team of commissioners.

With the 2027 General Elections just over two years away, the IEBC faces a critical task, including the delimitation of electoral boundaries.

In a statement shared on X, Muhumed praised the new IEBC leadership, saying, “Felicitations to chair Ethekon and team. You have just over 2 years to prepare for the 2027 General Elections. Your plates are full and we wish you the very best.”

He emphasized the significance of the boundary review for Wajir South, adding, "As for boundary review, when ready, the people of Wajir South will be exceptionally keen on the same."

The boundary review, mandated by Article 89 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, requires the IEBC to reassess constituency and ward boundaries every 8 to 12 years to ensure equitable representation.

The process considers population changes, geographic features, and community interests, aiming for constituencies with populations close to the national average of approximately 163,000.

For Wajir South, a sub-county predominantly inhabited by the Ogaden clan, the review is a vital opportunity to address concerns about political representation and resource allocation in a region where clan dynamics shape electoral politics.

The review process of the electoral agency will involve data collection, public consultations, and mapping, with proposed changes subject to parliamentary approval.

Muhumed said he remains optimistic for the IEBC’s leadership and the high stakes of the boundary review for Wajir South.

Elected alongside Governor Ahmed Abdullahi in the 2022 General Election, the DG has advocated for development-focused governance and accountability.

He reiterated his commitment to the aspirations of Wajir residents for a transparent and inclusive electoral process.

Sheikh Abdullahi Amin said Wajir South residents are ready to actively engage in public hearings to advocate for boundaries that reflect their demographic and cultural realities.

“We need to ensure fair representation in Parliament and county assemblies,” he said.

Ethekon and his team, unanimously approved by the National Assembly, face a tight timeline to deliver on this mandate alongside other electoral preparations.

A boundary review is a process undertaken by an electoral body, such as Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), to evaluate and, if necessary, redraw the boundaries of electoral units like constituencies and wards.

The goal is to ensure fair representation and equitable distribution of electoral resources based on population changes, geographic factors, and administrative considerations