A legislative proposal aimed at extending the tenure of the President and all elected officials from five to seven years has been released.
The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which is being sponsored by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, is scheduled for its initial reading in the Senate. READ FULL STORY
This proposed legislation seeks to lengthen the term of office for the President, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assemblies, and governors to seven years.
“The Bill proposes to amend Article 136 of the Constitution, which provides for election of the President, to increase the term of President from five years to seven years,” the Bill states.
The Bill further modifies Articles 101, 177, and 180 of the Constitution, extending the terms of Members of Parliament, senators, Members of County Assemblies, and governors to seven years.
Additionally, the Bill establishes the position of Prime Minister, aligning with the recommendations from the National Dialogue Committee and the Building Bridges Initiative reports.
It specifies that the President will appoint the Prime Minister from among the members of Parliament.
“The Prime Minister shall be the leader of the largest party or coalition of parties in Parliament,” the Bill says.
The proposal aims to strengthen the authority of the Senate by granting it the sole responsibility to evaluate certain state officials.
“This Bill therefore seeks to increase the parliamentary role of the Senate by addressing the issues that have hampered the implementation of the constitution,” it states.
The Senate is often perceived as a relatively inactive chamber with a more restricted role in comparison to the National Assembly.
In particular, the proposed legislation modifies Articles 152, 156, 157, 166, 215, 228, 229, 245, and 250 of the Constitution, delineating the responsibilities for the approval of appointments of various state officials between the Senate and the National Assembly.
