Senate Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura Unveils Bill Seeking to Scrap Nairobi From List of Counties

President Uhuru Kenyatta could soon be placed in charge of Nairobi County if a newly proposed law sees the light of day in Parliament.

Senate Deputy Speaker Kembi Gitura on Thursday published a Bill that seeks to change the Constitution to remove Nairobi from the list of Counties.

The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, which is set to be introduced for discussion in the Senate, will transfer the management of the City to the National Government.

According to the new proposal, Nairobi will be established as a National Capital City with the President being mandated to nominate a Cabinet Secretary to manage it.

“There shall be a National Capital City known as Nairobi which shall be the seat of the National Government,” reads the Bill.

This means that the number of devolved units will be reduced from the current 47 to 46, and consequently scrap the seat of Governor Evans Kidero.

However, the proposed law has maintained other elective seats meaning that positions of Members of Parliament (MPs), Senator, Women Representatives will not be affected.

“The Bill is alive to the power of the people and their rights to be represented. This right will continue to be fulfilled through the election of representatives to the National Assembly,” states the proposed law.

The introduction of the Bill could spark a fresh row between members of the Jubilee and CORD Coalition given that it has been sponsored by Gitura, who is allied to the ruling coalition.