IEBC Boundaries Review: It is Time to Reclaim Thika's Power and Resources!

 

By Jaymo Wa Thika

On July 8, 2025, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was fully reconstituted and gazetted, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya’s electoral journey. The new commission, led by Chairperson Dr. Erastus Edung Ethekon, alongside six commissioners, has now assumed office and is ready to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

Among the commission’s urgent priorities is constituency boundaries delimitation, a process that is now long overdue. The Constitution, under Article 89, requires the IEBC to review boundaries at least every 8 to 12 years.

Since the last review occurred between 2010 and 2012, we are already past the constitutional deadline, making this a decisive moment for representation across Kenya.

Understanding Constituency Boundaries Delimitation

Delimitation is the redrawing of electoral boundaries to reflect demographic changes and ensure fair representation. The IEBC uses several criteria:

• Population size (using the national quota)
• Geographical features
• Community interests and cohesion
• Means of communication
• Population density and urbanization

With Kenya’s 2019 national census showing a population of 47.6 million and with the current 290 constituencies, the average population per constituency should be around 164,000, with urban areas allowed up to 40% above and rural areas 30% below that figure.

Does Thika Town Qualify for a Split?

Yes, without a doubt.

As of the 2019 census, Thika Town Constituency had a population of over 279,000 people. This is well above the average threshold. With explosive growth in areas such as Kamenu, Makongeni, Landless, Kiandutu, Pilot, Biafra, Section 9 and in the far flank areas of Gatuanyaga and Ngoliba, the constituency has become unmanageable under a single MP and just five wards.

Statistically and administratively, Thika deserves at least two constituencies and should push for the creation of 10 to 12 wards.

Consequences of Continued Neglect

Thika has suffered the cost of political passivity. During the 2010–2012 delimitation, Thika missed the opportunity to be split, not because it didn’t qualify, but because its people and leaders did not fight hard enough.

Public forums were poorly attended or hijacked by handout-seekers and political opportunists, leaving the real stakeholders silent.

The effects?

• Poor representation in Parliament and County Assembly.
• Insufficient NG-CDF and county resources.
• Overstretched public services and infrastructure.
• Lack of bargaining power in national and county decision-making.

This pattern of historical shortchanging must be broken.

Apathy of the Elite: A Dangerous Silence

Unfortunately, many of Thika’s scholars, professionals, business owners, religious leaders and youth leaders have left public participation spaces to hooligans, hecklers, and sycophants. These forums are where the future of Thika is decided, yet those with the knowledge and strategy often stay away.

Unless the real stakeholders show up and speak up, Thika will once again be left behind while more organised regions like Gatundu, Ruiru or Limuru claim more seats, more resources and more influence.

The Promise of Better Representation

With more constituencies and wards, Thika can expect:

• Closer representation by elected officials.
• More NG-CDF and ward development funds.
• More county appointments and attention to local issues.
• Easier and more targeted planning for urban growth and social services.

A Bigger Dream: Kiambu East County?

This is also the right time to revive the debate on splitting Kiambu County. A proposed Kiambu East County, comprising Thika, Ruiru, Juja, Gatundu North and South and possibly Gatanga (Murang’a), could usher in better governance and equity.

Currently, resource distribution and political attention are heavily skewed toward Limuru, Kabete, Kiambaa, and Kikuyu zones, despite the fact that Thika sub-region hosts a significant population and economic muscle.

The Time Is Now: Speak or Be Silenced

This is not just another IEBC process. This is Thika’s chance to reclaim its rightful place in Kenya’s governance map. If we miss this again, we condemn future generations to underdevelopment and political invisibility.

We call on:

• Religious leaders to mobilise their congregations.
• Business community to voice their stakes.
• Professionals, lawyers, planners and teachers to write memoranda.
• Youth leaders and community mobilisers to educate their peers.

Let’s not allow a few handout seekers to write Thika’s future. Let’s all rise, from Karibaribi to Ngoliba, from Makongeni to Landless and Gatuanyaga, from Section 9 to Pilot and UTI, Kiandutu to Gachagi and speak with one voice.

Thika, the time is now. Not next year. Not after elections. Now!!
To get more constituencies, more wards and a better future, we must act.