NAIROBI, Kenya – A new legislative proposal could extend Kenya’s presidential term limits from five to seven years if passed into law.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, aims to amend Article 136 of the Constitution, a move that would also impact governors, Members of Parliament, and other elected officials.
The Bill, which reignites a debate that was shelved last year due to public opposition, seeks to grant presidents a longer term, with similar extensions for other key political positions.
If enacted, this change would significantly alter Kenya’s political landscape, sparking fresh discussions on the balance of power and democratic processes in the country.
In addition to extending term limits, the Bill proposes the creation of a Prime Minister’s office, appointed by the President.
According to the Bill, the Prime Minister must be an elected Member of Parliament from the largest party or coalition of parties.
This position, outlined in the proposed Article 151A, would serve as a key political role, potentially reshaping the structure of Kenya’s executive branch.
Senator Cherargei argues that these amendments are necessary to strengthen Kenya’s devolution system.
He also highlights that the Bill includes provisions to involve the Senate in national security decisions, such as approving the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces, a responsibility currently held exclusively by the National Assembly.
The reintroduction of this proposal comes after its initial submission in September as a memorandum to the National Dialogue Committee.
The committee, formed by President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, was tasked with addressing the aftermath of the March 2023 protests.
However, Cherargei withdrew the idea following significant public backlash.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, aims to amend Article 136 of the Constitution, a move that would also impact governors, Members of Parliament, and other elected officials.
The Bill, which reignites a debate that was shelved last year due to public opposition, seeks to grant presidents a longer term, with similar extensions for other key political positions.
If enacted, this change would significantly alter Kenya’s political landscape, sparking fresh discussions on the balance of power and democratic processes in the country.
In addition to extending term limits, the Bill proposes the creation of a Prime Minister’s office, appointed by the President.
According to the Bill, the Prime Minister must be an elected Member of Parliament from the largest party or coalition of parties.
This position, outlined in the proposed Article 151A, would serve as a key political role, potentially reshaping the structure of Kenya’s executive branch.
Senator Cherargei argues that these amendments are necessary to strengthen Kenya’s devolution system.
He also highlights that the Bill includes provisions to involve the Senate in national security decisions, such as approving the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces, a responsibility currently held exclusively by the National Assembly.
The reintroduction of this proposal comes after its initial submission in September as a memorandum to the National Dialogue Committee.
The committee, formed by President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, was tasked with addressing the aftermath of the March 2023 protests.
However, Cherargei withdrew the idea following significant public backlash.
