Nairobi, Kenya – October 2024 – A bill tabled in the Kenyan Senate has ignited a wave of public debate and political discourse, as it proposes to extend the terms of the President, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Governors from five years to seven years. The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, seeks to revise key provisions in the current constitution, which limits elected officials to two five-year terms.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The most prominent aspect of the bill is the proposal to amend Article 136 of the Constitution, which outlines the current electoral cycle for the presidency. If passed, future Kenyan presidents would serve for a seven-year term, a significant shift from the current five-year structure. The bill also extends the terms for Governors, MPs, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs)​.

In addition to term extensions, the bill introduces the creation of a Prime Minister's office, which would be appointed by the president. The Prime Minister would be the leader of the largest party or coalition in Parliament. This move echoes earlier proposals made during the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) discussions ​

Public Consultation and Controversy

The bill is now in the public consultation phase, with the Senate inviting Kenyans to submit their views on the proposed amendments by October 25, 2024​.

This open consultation process allows the public to share their concerns and recommendations before the bill is formally debated in the Senate.

However, the proposal has already sparked significant debate. Proponents argue that longer terms would provide more stability for governance and allow leaders to focus on long-term development projects without the constant pressure of election cycles. They claim that the extension would give leaders more time to deliver on their promises and improve continuity in government projects.

On the other hand, critics see the bill as a potential threat to democracy. Opponents argue that extending the term limits could lead to less accountability and make it harder to remove ineffective leaders. Some have raised concerns that this could pave the way for authoritarianism, with fears that the extended term limits might eventually lead to the removal of presidential term limits altogether​.

Political Repercussions and What’s Next

The proposal comes at a politically charged time in Kenya, as the country continues to face economic challenges and political tensions. Opposition leaders have strongly opposed the idea, while some within the ruling coalition see it as an opportunity to strengthen their hold on power.

The Senate’s Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights will hold a public hearing on the bill later this month. If passed, the amendments would require a referendum to enact the changes, as they touch on key constitutional issues

What Lies Ahead?

As the debate rages on, all eyes are on the public consultation process and the eventual Senate debates. The future of Kenya’s governance structure hangs in the balance as the country grapples with whether to extend the political terms of its leaders and potentially reshape its political system for decades to come.