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Presidential Term Limits
Presidential Term Limits
The Kenyan Constitution currently limits the President to a maximum of two five-year terms. This two-term limit has been in effect since 1992 and was upheld in the 2010 Constitution. There is significant public support for this limit, with a 2019 Afrobarometer survey finding that 78% of Kenyans endorse it. The survey also found that 81% of Kenyans support a minimum age requirement for presidential candidates and 85% support a maximum age.
Despite this public support, there have been multiple attempts to amend the Constitution and remove or extend presidential term limits.
Attempts to Amend Term Limits- In November 2022, Fafi MP Salah Yakub proposed removing the term limit entirely and replacing it with an age limit of 75 years. This proposal was met with strong public opposition and was ultimately rejected.
- In September 2024, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei introduced a bill to the Senate seeking to extend the presidential term to seven years. This bill, if passed, would also extend the terms of other elected officials, including members of parliament and governors.
- Cherargei argued that a seven-year term would give the president more time to fulfill their constitutional mandate and deliver on their manifesto promises. He also claimed that the current five-year term is disrupted by frequent elections and electoral disputes.
Both of these attempts to amend the presidential term limits have been met with significant opposition.
- The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party, has distanced itself from both proposals. UDA Secretary-General Omar Hassan called Cherargei's bill "repugnant and backward" and stated that it was incompatible with the party's policies and aspirations.
- Many critics of the proposals have viewed them as attempts to extend the rule of current President William Ruto or other members of the political elite.
- Some experts have suggested that the timing of these proposals is suspicious and that they may be a tactic to distract the public from other pressing issues.
- Opponents of the amendments have emphasized the importance of presidential term limits for ensuring a peaceful transfer of power, creating a level playing field during elections, encouraging accountability, and promoting respect for civil rights and the rule of law.
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By Aqute MediaPresidential Term Limits
The Kenyan Constitution currently limits the President to a maximum of two five-year terms. This two-term limit has been in effect since 1992 and was upheld in the 2010 Constitution. There is significant public support for this limit, with a 2019 Afrobarometer survey finding that 78% of Kenyans endorse it. The survey also found that 81% of Kenyans support a minimum age requirement for presidential candidates and 85% support a maximum age.
Despite this public support, there have been multiple attempts to amend the Constitution and remove or extend presidential term limits.
Attempts to Amend Term Limits- In November 2022, Fafi MP Salah Yakub proposed removing the term limit entirely and replacing it with an age limit of 75 years. This proposal was met with strong public opposition and was ultimately rejected.
- In September 2024, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei introduced a bill to the Senate seeking to extend the presidential term to seven years. This bill, if passed, would also extend the terms of other elected officials, including members of parliament and governors.
- Cherargei argued that a seven-year term would give the president more time to fulfill their constitutional mandate and deliver on their manifesto promises. He also claimed that the current five-year term is disrupted by frequent elections and electoral disputes.
Both of these attempts to amend the presidential term limits have been met with significant opposition.
- The United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party, has distanced itself from both proposals. UDA Secretary-General Omar Hassan called Cherargei's bill "repugnant and backward" and stated that it was incompatible with the party's policies and aspirations.
- Many critics of the proposals have viewed them as attempts to extend the rule of current President William Ruto or other members of the political elite.
- Some experts have suggested that the timing of these proposals is suspicious and that they may be a tactic to distract the public from other pressing issues.
- Opponents of the amendments have emphasized the importance of presidential term limits for ensuring a peaceful transfer of power, creating a level playing field during elections, encouraging accountability, and promoting respect for civil rights and the rule of law.