§ Mr. Clive Bossomasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will announce his decision on the findings of the Commission on the Northern Frontier District of Kenya.
§ Mr. FisherThe following statement was made in Nairobi today
The Report of the Kenya Constitutional Conference of 1962 envisaged the appointment of a Commission to ascertain public opinion in the N.F.D. regarding the future of this area, in the light of the likely course of constitutional development of Kenya. It was stated that a decision on the Commission's finding would be taken by Her Majesty's Government before the introduction of the new Constitution in Kenya.The Commission presented its report last December and Her Majesty's Government have considered its conclusions. They have also noted the statement in the Report of the Kenya Regional Boundaries Commission that, had their terms of reference not restricted them to providing six regions, they would have considered it right to create an additional region, comprising the Eastern part of the N.F.D., which is almost exclusively occupied by Somali and kindred peoples.The Colonial Secretary has discussed this matter fully with the Governor of Kenya and with Ministers in Nairobi. He has also received two delegations, one representing those elements in the N.F.D. who advocate secession to the Somali Republic and others representing those who wish to remain part of Kenya.Her Majesty's Government have now decided that as part of the constitutional arrangements for internal self-government in Kenya, the predominantly Somali area referred to in the Report of the Regional Boundaries Commission (comprising constituencies 20–24 inclusive (see footnote below)) should be formed into a 100W separate Seventh Region enjoying a status equal to that of the other regions in Kenya.The creation of the new region will give to its inhabitants greater freedom in the management of their own affairs and more effective means of safeguarding their interest and maintaining their way of life.Footnote.—These constituencies embrace Mandera and Wajir Districts, together with the Adjuran area of Moyale District and Garissa district, less the areas occupied by the Riverine people and Orma.