Kenya: Senate calls for comment on bill to amend the Constitution
Kenya’s Senate has invited public submissions on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill (“the Bill”), which seeks, among other amendments, to extend the presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years. It also seeks to provide for a prime minister, whom the president would appoint from among eligible members of Parliament.
Senator Samson Cherargei, a member of the United Democratic Alliance, introduced the Bill to the Senate in March 2024, and in September it was allocated to a committee for further deliberation.
In response to criticism of the Bill, Senator Cherargei argued that extending the presidential term to seven years will “enable the president to have a good opportunity to deliver his manifesto.” However, the President has opposed the amendment, and has urged lawmakers not to alter terms for political or personal gain. The ruling party has similarly distanced itself from the Bill.
The proposed amendments come under discussion just months after controversial tax increases sparked a wave of national protests in June 2024. Although the President shelved the tax legislation in question, and later dissolved his Cabinet, the proposed term extensions come in the context of simmering discontent with Kenya’s governance and leadership.
Submissions can be made by email to [email protected] before 17h00 Friday, 25 October 2024.
- The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill of 2024 is available here
- The digest of the Bill is available here
- The call for submissions is available here
Please note: The information contained in this note is for general guidance on matters of interest, and does not constitute legal advice. For any enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].
