Mandera County, located in the northeastern part of Kenya, is known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic significance near the borders of Somalia and Ethiopia. During the 2022 general elections, residents from the six constituencies in Mandera County elected their Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent them in the National Assembly. The county is governed by Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, who took office after the elections.
Mandera County has six constituencies: Mandera West, Banissa, Mandera North, Mandera South, Mandera East, and Lafey. Below is a detailed list of the MPs elected in each constituency in Mandera County.
List of MPs in Mandera County (2022 Election)
| Constituency | MP | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Mandera West | Adan Haji Yussuf | UDM |
| Banissa | [Vacant/Undisclosed] | – |
| Mandera North | Bashir Sheikh Abdullahi | UDM |
| Mandera South | Abdul Ebrahim Haro | UDM |
| Mandera East | Husseinweytan Mohamed Abdirahman | ODM |
| Lafey | Mohamed Abdi Abdirahman | Jubilee |
Political Landscape in Mandera County
Mandera County saw a strong presence of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in the 2022 elections, with three of the six elected MPs hailing from the party. UDM has continued to play a pivotal role in northeastern Kenya’s political scene. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has a substantial national following, secured the Mandera East constituency, while the Jubilee Party, once the dominant party in Kenya, held on to the Lafey constituency.
Roles and Responsibilities of MPs in Mandera County
Elected MPs in Mandera County, like their counterparts across Kenya, have multiple roles within the National Assembly:
- Representation: MPs represent their constituencies in parliament, ensuring that the needs, aspirations, and concerns of their residents are brought to the national stage.
- Legislation: MPs are involved in creating and amending laws. They participate in debates and decision-making processes that affect both national and local policies.
- Oversight: MPs also oversee the expenditure of public funds, ensuring accountability in government projects and development initiatives within their constituencies.
Mandera County’s Geopolitical Significance
Mandera County, with its strategic location, plays an important role in Kenya’s security, trade, and cross-border relations with Somalia and Ethiopia. The elected MPs, in collaboration with the county government, are instrumental in addressing key challenges such as insecurity, infrastructure development, and access to education and healthcare.
Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif’s Leadership
Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, who took over leadership in Mandera County, has placed emphasis on improving the county’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems. His leadership, in conjunction with the county’s MPs, is critical in ensuring the region’s development and stability, especially given the ongoing security challenges posed by cross-border issues.
The 2022 elections in Mandera County highlighted the diverse political representation, with UDM emerging as the leading party in the region. The elected MPs are expected to work closely with the county government to address key issues such as infrastructure development, security, and the provision of essential services to the residents. The role of MPs is central to the legislative process in Kenya, and the leadership from Mandera County will play a key role in shaping the future of the region.
