By Billy Mijungu
As Kenya stands on the cusp of significant political decisions, we must reconsider how long our leaders should stay in power and how changes to our Constitution are proposed. Recent suggestions by some members of parliament to extend political terms to seven years are not only out of touch with the nation’s needs but could also stall the growth of democratic practices that are necessary for a progressive society.
The idea of extending terms might seem appealing to those in office, but it contradicts the spirit of a democratic republic—a system where the people hold the power to periodically affirm or deny their leaders’ performance. Rather than a term extension, I believe a reduction is more appropriate. Imagine a Kenya where the presidency is limited to two terms of four years each, and all elected leaders from MCAs to senators serve a maximum of four terms of four years each. This structure, in contrast to the status quo, would nurture a more accountable and agile government, pushing leaders to work hard during their limited time in office.
In a democracy, shorter terms have a purpose: they are a test of leadership and accountability. If leaders know they have fewer years to make their mark, they are likely to stay focused, driven by the pressure to achieve tangible results. This urgency could ultimately lead to better service delivery and provide more frequent opportunities for new leaders to step up.
Now, the question of who gets to shape our laws and amend the Constitution is equally pressing. Too often, we see attempts at constitutional changes that seem more beneficial to the politicians who propose them than to the citizens they serve. Currently, individual politicians or small interest groups can initiate constitutional amendments, sometimes for personal gain rather than the public good. To move beyond this, we need a law that mandates a more structured and public-centered approach to constitutional amendment suggestions.
Imagine a Public Participation Entity, a body empowered by law to vet and consolidate amendment suggestions before they reach Parliament. This body would act as a gatekeeper, ensuring that proposals for amendments come from the public are adequately debated, and have the backing of the Kenyan people before they are presented as bills. Such an approach would create a more inclusive system where changes reflect the will of the people rather than the desires of a few individuals.
As Kenyans, we have the power and the responsibility to demand a system that promotes fair representation and equitable governance. Longer terms and less public oversight dilute this responsibility, granting unchecked power to those who should be answerable to the citizens. The push to extend terms must be defeated, and instead, we should call for reductions. We should also support a structured, people-driven process for amending the Constitution to ensure the voices of ordinary Kenyans guide the nation’s future.
Our democracy will thrive only when our systems of governance remain accountable to us, the people. That is why we must stand for shorter terms, more public participation, and a fairer, more inclusive system for proposing constitutional changes. Let’s seize this opportunity to ensure Kenya’s leaders remain accountable, responsive, and guided by the people they represent.
The author is a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics and a 2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County
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