Pros & Cons: The Debate Over Extending Kenya’s Presidential Term Limits

Pros & Cons: The Debate Over Extending Kenya’s Presidential Term Limits

Proposal to Extend Presidential Term Limits

In a recent controversial move, Samson Cherargei, a senator from Kenya’s ruling coalition, proposed an amendment to extend the presidential term limits from five to seven years. Cherargei reasoned that President William Ruto, who has only been in office for approximately one year, might not have enough time to fulfill his campaign promises under the existing term limit. However, this proposal has been met with strong opposition from a section of the Kenyan populace and from opposition parties, accusing the government of attempting to abolish presidential term limits altogether.

Public Reaction and Opposition Concerns

The proposal has sparked sharp reactions across the nation. Some Kenyans argue that the term limit should be shortened to four years for the next six elections to promote national cohesion and prevent vested interests from becoming too entrenched. Others question the necessity of extending the term limit, arguing that if a leader cannot deliver in a decade, adding four more years won’t make a significant difference. The idea of extending presidential term limits has also been criticized as a potential ploy to introduce lifelong presidencies in the future.

Government’s Stance on the Proposal

Interestingly, President Ruto rejected a similar proposal last year by another legislator from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to remove presidential term limits. As per the Kenyan constitution, a president is limited to two terms in office, and any changes to this would necessitate a referendum. High-ranking UDA leaders have stated that neither the party nor State House was involved in the senator’s proposals and he was not acting on their behalf.

Constitutional Implications and Requirements

Any changes to the presidential term limit would require a constitutional amendment, which in turn requires a referendum. According to Article 142 of Chapter Nine of the Constitution, the President’s term of office begins on the day of his inauguration and ends when the next President is inaugurated. It provides for a five-year term with the possibility of a subsequent five-year term. Therefore, the current debate on changing the presidential term limit would require a national referendum, as it alters the structure of the constitution.

The Way Forward

While the proposal to extend presidential term limits in Kenya may be intended to provide leaders with more time to achieve their goals, it has faced significant backlash. Those against the proposal argue that such a move could lead to the entrenchment of vested interests and undermine the principles of constitutionalism. Whether or not the proposal will make it past the stage of public debate remains to be seen. But, it is clear that any changes to the presidential term limit will require careful consideration, widespread public consultation, and ultimately, a constitutional amendment.