Junet Proposes Moving Parliament to Kisumu
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has sparked a fresh debate by suggesting that Parliament should be relocated from Nairobi to Kisumu.
Junet revealed that discussions among legislators to move the country’s second arm of government were already underway, citing last year’s breach of parliamentary premises as a possible catalyst for the idea.
“I overheard in Parliament that there are talks about relocating it to another city. I’m not sure if it’s because of maandamano (protests) or other reasons,” Junet stated during the launch of LV Marina in Kisumu County on Saturday.
The event was graced by prominent leaders, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
During his speech, Junet proposed Kisumu as an ideal location for Parliament if a decision is made to relocate. “If they’re serious about moving Parliament, I’d suggest they bring it to Kisumu,” he asserted.
Junet defended the proposal, arguing that decentralising government functions is not unprecedented globally.
He highlighted South Africa’s example, where Cape Town serves as the legislative capital hosting Parliament, while Pretoria operates as the administrative capital housing the executive arm.
However, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah dismissed the idea. While acknowledging Kisumu’s potential, Ichung’wah suggested a less drastic measure, proposing the establishment of state-of-the-art conferencing facilities in Kisumu that could occasionally host parliamentary sessions.
The current location of Parliament in Nairobi is deeply rooted in Kenya’s colonial history. Built in 1954 under British rule, the legislative buildings were initially designed to host the Legislative Council, a precursor to today’s National Assembly.
Nairobi’s selection as the seat of government in 1907 positioned it as the administrative and political hub of British East Africa. This strategic location reflected Nairobi’s status as a center for commerce, governance, and infrastructure.
After independence in 1963, the Kenyan government retained the parliamentary buildings, symbolizing continuity in legislative operations.
Over the years, calls for decentralising government functions have resurfaced periodically, with proponents arguing that relocating Parliament would reduce Nairobi’s overconcentration of political power.
Despite these arguments, the logistical challenges of such a move remain significant. Nairobi’s established infrastructure and historical role as Kenya’s political heart make relocating Parliament a complex and contentious issue.
Nonetheless, Junet’s remarks have reignited conversations about decentralisation and the broader implications of moving the legislative arm of government to a different city.
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